LoginOrdinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers specify the position or rank of something in a sequence. Unlike cardinal numbers (which denote quantity), ordinals indicate order.
Why Do We Use Ordinal Numbers
We use ordinal numbers to show the position of something on a list or in a certain order.
How to Write Ordinal Numbers: 1-10
We usually add 'th' at the end of numbers in order to turn them into ordinal numbers. But one, two, and three are exceptions. Take a look at the list below:
| Written | Numeral |
|---|---|
|
|
1 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
|
four |
4 |
|
fif |
5 |
|
six |
6 |
|
seven |
7 |
|
eigh |
8 |
|
nin |
9 |
|
ten |
10 |
Tip!
Pay attention to the spelling of ordinal numbers. The spelling of some numbers changes when we add 'th'. For example:
Five →
Eight →
Nine →
How to Write Ordinal Numbers: 11-20
Just like ordinal numbers from four to ten, ordinal numbers from 11 to 20 get 'th' at the end. Take a look at this list:
| Written | Numeral |
|---|---|
|
eleven |
11 |
|
twelf |
12 |
|
thirteen |
13 |
|
fourteen |
14 |
|
fifteen |
15 |
|
sixteen |
16 |
|
seventeen |
17 |
|
eighteen |
18 |
|
nineteen |
19 |
|
twentie |
20 |
Tip!
You can see that the spelling of some numbers changes. For example:
twelve → twelf
Twenty → twentie
How to Write Ordinal Numbers: Compound
When we want to write compound ordinal numbers, we use this form: the first part (cardinal number) + hyphen + second part (ordinal number)
| Written | Numeral |
|---|---|
| twenty-first |
21 |
| twenty-second |
22 |
| twenty-third |
23 |
| twenty-fourth |
24 |
| twenty-fifth |
25 |
| twenty-sixth |
26 |
| twenty-seventh |
27 |
| twenty-eighth |
28 |
| twenty-ninth |
29 |
How to Write Ordinal Numbers: The Tens
As you saw before, when forming ordinal numbers, the letter 'y' at the end of the number changes into 'ie'. Take a look at the list below:
| Written | Numeral |
|---|---|
|
ten |
10 |
|
twent |
20 |
|
thirt |
30 |
|
fort |
40 |
|
fift |
50 |
|
sixt |
60 |
|
sevent |
70 |
|
eight |
80 |
|
ninet |
90 |
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