Welcome to Excel English, your trusted source for learning English online. In this article, we will learn about ordinal numbers in English, which are used to indicate the position of something in a sequence. We will cover the different ways to form ordinal numbers, their usage, and some common exceptions. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this comprehensive guide will help you master ordinal numbers and enhance your English communication skills.
| Number | Ordinal Number | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | first | fɜːrst |
| 2 | second | ˈsɛkənd |
| 3 | third | θɜːrd |
| 4 | fourth | fɔːrθ |
| 5 | fifth | fɪfθ |
| 6 | sixth | sɪksθ |
| 7 | seventh | ˈsɛvənθ |
| 8 | eighth | ˈeɪtθ |
| 9 | ninth | naɪnθ |
| 10 | tenth | tɛnθ |
I. Ordinal Numbers in English
What are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of something in a sequence. They are often used to rank items, such as in a race or competition. Ordinal numbers can also be used to indicate the order of events in a sequence, such as in a recipe or set of instructions.
Formation of Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix “-th” to the cardinal number. For example, the ordinal number for “one” is “first”, the ordinal number for “two” is “second”, and the ordinal number for “three” is “third”.
| Cardinal Number | Ordinal Number |
|---|---|
| 1 | first |
| 2 | second |
| 3 | third |
| 4 | fourth |
| 5 | fifth |
Usage of Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers are used in a variety of contexts, including:
- Ranking items in a sequence, such as in a race or competition
- Indicating the order of events in a sequence, such as in a recipe or set of instructions
- Describing the position of something in a sequence, such as the “first” item in a list
II. Formation of Ordinal Numbers
Adding -th to cardinal numbers
Ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix “-th” to the cardinal number. For example, the ordinal number for “one” is “first”, the ordinal number for “two” is “second”, and so on.
Exceptions:
There are a few exceptions to this rule. The ordinal numbers for “one”, “two”, and “three” are irregular: “first”, “second”, and “third”.
| Cardinal Number | Ordinal Number |
|---|---|
| one | first |
| two | second |
| three | third |
III. Usage of Ordinal Numbers
Dates and Time
Ordinal numbers are commonly used to indicate dates and time. For example, we say “the first of January” or “at ten o’clock.”
Positions and Rankings
Ordinal numbers are also used to indicate positions and rankings. For example, we say “the first place winner” or “the third runner-up.”
Fractions
Ordinal numbers can be used to express fractions. For example, “one-half” or “one-fourth.”
Sequence and Order
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate sequence and order. For example, we say “the first step” or “the third chapter.”
Instructions and Directions
Ordinal numbers are often used in instructions and directions. For example, we say “first, do this” or “second, turn left.”
| Ordinal Number | Usage |
|---|---|
| First | Dates, positions, fractions, sequence, instructions |
| Second | Dates, positions, fractions, sequence, instructions |
| Third | Dates, positions, fractions, sequence, instructions |
| Fourth | Dates, positions, fractions, sequence, instructions |
| Fifth | Dates, positions, fractions, sequence, instructions |
IV. Exceptions to the Rules
Numbers Ending in “-teen”
Ordinal numbers that end in “-teen” drop the “-n” and add “-th”. For example:
- thirteen -> thirteenth
- fourteen -> fourteenth
- fifteen -> fifteenth
Numbers Ending in “-ty”
Ordinal numbers that end in “-ty” add “-eth”. For example:
- twenty -> twentieth
- thirty -> thirtieth
- forty -> fortieth
Numbers Over 100
Ordinal numbers over 100 are formed by adding “-th” to the last digit of the number. For example:
- 101 -> one hundred and first
- 202 -> two hundred and second
- 303 -> three hundred and third
V. Conclusion
In this article, we have covered the basics of ordinal numbers in English. We have learned how to form ordinal numbers, how to use them in sentences, and how to pronounce them correctly. We have also looked at some common mistakes that learners of English make when using ordinal numbers.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly.
Thank you for reading!
