Rules for Writing Ordinal Numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) with 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: Rules, Words & Usage
1. How do you write ordinal numbers correctly in English?
Ordinal numbers are written by adding the correct suffix to the number, showing order or position. Common rules are:
- Add ‘st’ to numbers ending in 1 (except 11): 1st, 21st
- Add ‘nd’ to numbers ending in 2 (except 12): 2nd, 22nd
- Add ‘rd’ to numbers ending in 3 (except 13): 3rd, 23rd
- Add ‘th’ to all other numbers: 4th, 11th, 14th, 100th
2. What are the ordinal numbers from 1 to 10 with spellings?
Ordinal numbers from 1 to 10 with their spellings are:
- 1st – First
- 2nd – Second
- 3rd – Third
- 4th – Fourth
- 5th – Fifth
- 6th – Sixth
- 7th – Seventh
- 8th – Eighth
- 9th – Ninth
- 10th – Tenth
3. What are the main rules for using "st", "nd", "rd", and "th"?
The choice of st, nd, rd, th suffixes depends on the last digit of the number:
- Use st for numbers ending in 1 (except 11): 1st, 21st
- Use nd for numbers ending in 2 (except 12): 2nd, 22nd
- Use rd for numbers ending in 3 (except 13): 3rd, 23rd
- Use th for all others: 4th, 11th, 112th
4. How do you type ordinal numbers on a standard keyboard?
To type ordinal numbers on a keyboard, simply enter the numeral, then type the appropriate suffix:
- Type the number (e.g., 1)
- Add the suffix (st, nd, rd, th) as letters, making 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
5. How do you write ordinal numbers in a sentence?
Use ordinal numbers to show the order of items. Example:
- “Rahul finished 3rd in the race.”
- “Today is my 10th birthday.”
- “July 4th is a national holiday.”
6. What is the ordinal form of 32?
32 as an ordinal number is written as 32nd (thirty-second).
The suffix “nd” is used because the last digit is 2, and 32 does not end in 12.
Always check the last digit to select the suffix when writing ordinals.
7. How do you spell ordinal numbers correctly?
To spell ordinal numbers correctly, follow the standard spelling rules for both the number and its position:
- First (1st)
- Second (2nd)
- Third (3rd)
- Fourth (4th)
- Fifth (5th)
8. How are ordinal numbers used in dates?
In dates, ordinal numbers clarify the order of days. For example:
- “February 14th” means the fourteenth day of February.
- You can write dates as "31st December" or "December 31st."
9. What are some examples of ordinal numbers in sentences?
Examples of ordinal numbers in sentences include:
- “She came first in class.”
- “This is my second attempt.”
- “The fifteenth of August is Independence Day.”
10. What is the list of ordinal numbers from 1st to 20th with words?
Here is a list of ordinal numbers from 1st to 20th:
- 1st – First
- 2nd – Second
- 3rd – Third
- 4th – Fourth
- 5th – Fifth
- 6th – Sixth
- 7th – Seventh
- 8th – Eighth
- 9th – Ninth
- 10th – Tenth
- 11th – Eleventh
- 12th – Twelfth
- 13th – Thirteenth
- 14th – Fourteenth
- 15th – Fifteenth
- 16th – Sixteenth
- 17th – Seventeenth
- 18th – Eighteenth
- 19th – Nineteenth
- 20th – Twentieth
