What Are Ordinal Numbers Rules Spelling and Examples
Learning how to write ordinal numbers is essential for students to describe position, ranking, and dates in English writing. This guide explains the correct rules, spelling, and keyboard tips for using ordinals from 1st to 100th. With practical examples, clear steps, and a simple checklist, learners from Class 6-12 will master ordinal usage in sentences and daily communication.
How To Write Ordinal Numbers: Rules and Easy Examples
Key rule: Add the suffix ‘st’ for 1, ‘nd’ for 2, ‘rd’ for 3, and ‘th’ for most other numbers, except special cases like 11th, 12th, and 13th. Ordinals show position, not quantity, and can be written as numerals with suffixes or spelled out in words.
Step 1: Write the number (e.g., 1, 2, 23).
Step 2: Add the correct suffix—st, nd, rd, or th—based on the last digit.
Step 3: Spell out the full word if needed (e.g., first, second, twenty-third).
Quick Checklist
• Use st for numbers ending in 1 (except 11: 11th).
• Use nd for numbers ending in 2 (except 12: 12th).
• Use rd for numbers ending in 3 (except 13: 13th).
• Use th for all other numbers (4th, 20th, 100th).
• Spell with a hyphen for numbers above 20 (e.g., twenty-third).
See related grammar notes
How to Write Ordinal Numbers in English
Write ordinal numbers by adding ‘st’ (1st), ‘nd’ (2nd), ‘rd’ (3rd), or ‘th’ (4th, 5th, ...) to numerals. For example: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 21st, 32nd. Spell them in words: first, second, third.
List of Ordinal Numbers 1 to 10
| Number | Ordinal (Number) | Spelling |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st | First |
| 2 | 2nd | Second |
| 3 | 3rd | Third |
| 4 | 4th | Fourth |
| 5 | 5th | Fifth |
| 6 | 6th | Sixth |
| 7 | 7th | Seventh |
| 8 | 8th | Eighth |
| 9 | 9th | Ninth |
| 10 | 10th | Tenth |
Interesting Facts and Quotes About Ordinal Numbers
Examples Using Ordinal Numbers in Sentences
1. My birthday is on the 5th of May.
2. She finished in 2nd place at the competition.
3. The school is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
4. I live on the 7th floor of the building.
How to Write Ordinal Numbers on a Keyboard and in Words
To type ordinal numbers, use the regular number keys and add "st", "nd", "rd", or "th" right after the numeral with no space (e.g., 21st, 42nd). In words, hyphenate numbers above 20 (e.g., twenty-first, ninety-ninth) and remember unique spellings for first, second, and third.
Ordinal Numbers 1 to 100: Lookup Table
| Ordinal (Number) | Spelling | Ordinal (Number) | Spelling |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | First | 21st | Twenty-first |
| 2nd | Second | 22nd | Twenty-second |
| 3rd | Third | 23rd | Twenty-third |
| 4th | Fourth | 24th | Twenty-fourth |
| 5th | Fifth | 25th | Twenty-fifth |
| 10th | Tenth | 30th | Thirtieth |
| 11th | Eleventh | 32nd | Thirty-second |
| 12th | Twelfth | 33rd | Thirty-third |
| 13th | Thirteenth | 40th | Fortieth |
| 20th | Twentieth | 100th | Hundredth |
Full tables for ordinal numbers 1 to 100 are available on Vedantu.
Sample Usage Answers (Collapsible)
Ordinal numbers help us show the position or order of things. For example, we use “1st” for first place, “5th” for fifth row, or “13th” for thirteenth birthday. Always add the right suffix: “st” after numbers ending in 1, “nd” after 2, and “rd” after 3. All other numbers use “th,” including 4th, 11th, 12th, and so on. For multiples over 20, add the suffix to the last digit (e.g., 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th). In formal English, spell out numbers below ten. Ordinals are used in dates, sports, awards, and rankings.
Ordinal numbers are necessary for speaking and writing English with accuracy. They help describe the sequence of events, positions in a list, or order on a calendar. To write ordinals, start with the base number. Add “st” to numbers ending with 1 (1st, 21st), “nd” for numbers ending with 2 (2nd, 22nd), and “rd” for numbers ending with 3 (3rd, 23rd). Remember, 11th, 12th, and 13th always take “th” because of their special spelling. For every other number, add “th” (14th, 50th, 100th). In words, numbers above twenty are hyphenated (thirty-first, ninety-eighth). Use ordinal numbers to show rank (first rank), dates (5th July), or birthdays (18th birthday). They are also important in written addresses and instructions. On a keyboard, type the number and then the correct suffix, with no extra space.
Apply Your Learning
Practice writing sentences like “My sister came third in the race” or “The classroom is on the fourth floor.” Try spelling out ordinal numbers from 1st to 20th in words. Check your suffixes using the rules above.
Mastering how to write ordinal numbers is a must for clear English communication. You can now use ordinals correctly in essays, dates, timetables, and rankings. With a strong base in these rules and the full list from 1st to 100th, applying them in daily writing and speech becomes simple. For more grammar help and language tools, trust Vedantu as your companion.
FAQs on How To Write Ordinal Numbers in English
1. What are ordinal numbers in English?
Ordinal numbers are numbers that show position or order in a sequence, such as first, second, and third. They tell us "which one" instead of "how many." For example:
- She finished in first place.
- Today is the third of June.
2. How do you write ordinal numbers in figures?
Ordinal numbers in figures are written with a number plus an ordinal suffix such as -st, -nd, -rd, or -th. The basic rules are:
- 1 → 1st
- 2 → 2nd
- 3 → 3rd
- 4 → 4th
3. What are the rules for spelling ordinal numbers in words?
To spell ordinal numbers in words, you usually add -th to the cardinal number, but some forms are irregular. Key rules include:
- Regular forms: four → fourth, six → sixth
- Irregular forms: one → first, two → second, three → third
- Change spelling: five → fifth, nine → ninth
4. When do you use ordinal numbers in English?
Ordinal numbers are used to show order, position, rank, or sequence in English. Common uses include:
- Dates: the 21st of May
- Positions: She came second.
- Floors: the fifth floor
- Chapters: Chapter three (spoken as "third")
5. What is the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers?
The difference between cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers is that cardinals show quantity, while ordinals show position or order. For example:
- Cardinal: I have three books. (quantity)
- Ordinal: This is my third book. (position)
6. Why do 11th, 12th, and 13th not follow the usual ordinal pattern?
The numbers 11th, 12th, and 13th use -th because English ordinal suffixes follow the last two digits, not just the last digit. Even though they end in 1, 2, and 3, they are exceptions to the usual rule. For example:
- 11 → 11th (not 11st)
- 12 → 12th (not 12nd)
- 13 → 13th (not 13rd)
7. How do you write compound ordinal numbers like 21st or 32nd in words?
Compound ordinal numbers are written by changing only the last word to its ordinal form. For example:
- 21st → twenty-first
- 32nd → thirty-second
- 45th → forty-fifth
8. Do ordinal numbers always need an article like "the"?
Ordinal numbers are usually used with the definite article the because they refer to a specific position. For example:
- She won the first prize.
- Today is the tenth of April.
9. How are ordinal numbers used when writing dates?
Ordinal numbers are used to express the day in dates in spoken and written English. Examples include:
- Written: April 5 or April 5th
- Spoken: April fifth
- British style: the 5th of April
10. What are common mistakes when writing ordinal numbers?
Common mistakes with ordinal numbers include using the wrong suffix or incorrect spelling. Typical errors are:
- Writing 21th instead of 21st
- Writing 12nd instead of 12th
- Misspelling ninth as "nineth"
