When it comes to expressing ordinal numbers, native English speakers often face a common dilemma: should we say “90st” or “90th”? The correct form is “90th,” and in this article, I will explain why this is the case. So, let’s dive in and explore the reasons behind this choice.
The fundamental rule in English grammar is that ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix “-th” to the cardinal number. This suffix is used universally, regardless of the initial digit. Therefore, we say “first” for 1st, “second” for 2nd, “third” for 3rd, and so on. The same rule applies to numbers in the 90s, where we say “ninety-first,” “ninety-second,” and, of course, “ninety-ninth.”
To illustrate this rule further, let’s take a closer look at our specific example: 90. If we were to follow the pattern of adding “-st” as a suffix, we would say “ninetyst.” However, this is not the case. Instead, we add the suffix “-th” to the number, forming “ninetyth.” The use of “90th” is consistent with the way ordinal numbers are formed in the English language.
To solidify this concept, let’s check a few more examples. Consider the number 20. The ordinal form of this number is “twentieth,” not “twentyst.” Similarly, for the number 50, the correct form is “fiftieth,” not “fiftyst.” These examples demonstrate that the suffix “-th” is used consistently and accurately in English grammar.
Now, you might wonder why this issue even arises. Well, when we write numbers like “21st” or “32nd,” we use the letters “st” or “nd” as the suffix, which might lead some to assume that the same pattern applies to all numbers, including those in the 90s. Nevertheless, while “st” and “nd” are used for the numbers ending in 1 and 2 respectively, the regular “-th” suffix is used for all other numbers, including 90.
To summarize, the correct way to express the ordinal form of the number 90 is “90th.” This follows the consistent pattern of adding “-th” as a suffix to the cardinal number to form the ordinal number. Other examples like “20th” and “50th” further support this pattern. Remember, it is essential to adhere to proper grammar rules, even when it comes to seemingly small details such as ordinal numbers.
In conclusion, the correct way to express the ordinal form of the number 90 is “90th.” By understanding the underlying rule of adding “-th” to form ordinal numbers, we can confidently and accurately use English grammar. So, the next time you need to express the ordinal form of 90, remember to use “90th” and impress your friends with your grasp of proper English grammar.