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49th or 49rd – Which is Correct?

When it comes to ordinal numbers such as “49th” or “49rd,” it’s important to use correct grammar and follow the rules of the English language. In this case, the correct form is “49th.”

To understand why “49th” is correct, let’s first review the basic rules for forming ordinal numbers. Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of something in a sequence, and they typically end in “th,” “st,” “nd,” or “rd.” For most numbers, the ending is “th,” as in “1st,” “2nd,” “3rd,” “4th,” and so on.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3 have different endings. For numbers ending in 1, we use “st,” as in “21st” or “301st.” For numbers ending in 2, we use “nd,” as in “22nd” or “502nd.” And for numbers ending in 3, we use “rd,” as in “23rd” or “703rd.”

Now, let’s apply these rules to the number 49. Since 49 doesn’t end in 1, 2, or 3, we use the default ending, which is “th.” Therefore, the correct ordinal form of 49 is “49th.”

Here are some examples to illustrate the proper usage:

1. I finished in 49th place in the race.
2. The 49th chapter of the book is particularly interesting.
3. This is the 49th time I’ve told you not to interrupt me!
4. The 49th state to join the United States was Alaska.

As you can see, in all these examples, “49th” is used to indicate the position or order of something in a sequence. Using “49rd” would be incorrect and would go against the established rules of the English language.

It’s worth noting that while “49th” is the correct form, there are some ordinal numbers that have irregular or unique spellings. For example, the ordinal form of 1 is “first,” and the ordinal form of 3 is “third.” These irregularities are simply exceptions to the general rules.

In conclusion, when expressing the ordinal form of the number 49, the correct usage is “49th.” This follows the standard rules of forming ordinal numbers in English. By adhering to proper grammar and using the correct form, we can effectively communicate our intended meaning and ensure clarity in our writing and speech.