When it comes to writing dates, there is often confusion about whether to use “st” or “th” after the number. Is it correct to write “28st” or “28th” when referring to the 28th day of the month? Let’s learn this topic and clarify the correct usage.
The correct term to use in this case is “28th.” The “-th” suffix is added to numbers to indicate their position in a sequence, specifically denoting that it is the 28th day of the month. This rule applies to all ordinal numbers ending in “1st,” “2nd,” “3rd,” and all subsequent numbers.
To understand why we use “-th” instead of “-st” in this context, let’s take a closer look at the English language. English incorporates various linguistic influences, including Old English, Latin, and French. The use of “-st,” “-nd,” “-rd,” and “-th” in ordinal numbers traces back to Old English.
In Old English, ordinal numbers were formed by adding -tēoða to the end of cardinal numbers. Over time, this suffix evolved into “-th” as the pronunciation changed. However, the “-st” and “-nd” forms persisted for numbers ending in 1 and 2, respectively. This is why we have words like “first” and “second” instead of “oneth” and “twoth.”
Now, let’s explore some examples to illustrate the correct usage of “28th”:
1. Today is the 28th of June, and I have a doctor’s appointment.
2. My sister’s birthday is on the 28th of August.
3. The deadline for the project is the 28th of July.
In each of these examples, we can see the proper use of “28th” to indicate the specific position in a sequence.
It is important to note that the term “28st” is not grammatically correct and should be avoided. Using “28st” instead of “28th” would be a deviation from the established rules and conventions of the English language. Just as we say “first,” “second,” and “third” for the corresponding numbers, we say “twenty-eighth” instead of “twenty-eightst.”
Imagine if we used “28st” instead of “28th” consistently throughout our writing. It would create confusion and disrupt the natural flow of the English language. Additionally, it would be seen as an error by English speakers and could affect comprehension and communication.
In conclusion, the correct way to represent the 28th day of the month is by using “28th.” The “-th” suffix is used with ordinal numbers to indicate their position in a series. It is essential to follow this rule to maintain clarity and adhere to proper grammar. So, next time you’re writing a date, remember to use “28th” instead of “28st.”