English can be tricky, especially when it comes to ordinal numbers like “23th” and “23rd.”
While these terms sound similar, only one is correct.
The correct form is “23rd” because it aligns with the pronunciation of “twenty-third,” while “23th” is grammatically incorrect.
Knowing how to use “23rd” properly can enhance your communication in both casual and professional contexts.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The rules governing ordinal numbers.
- Why “23th” is incorrect.
- Practical ways to avoid common mistakes.
By the end, you’ll never second-guess yourself again!
Understanding Ordinal Numbers
What are ordinal numbers?
Ordinal numbers indicate position or rank in a sequence, such as first, second, or third. Unlike cardinal numbers (1, 2, 3), ordinals describe “order” rather than quantity.
For example:
- “He finished third in the race.” (Ordinal)
- “Three people attended the meeting.” (Cardinal)
Common Ordinal Number Endings
English uses specific suffixes for different numbers. These suffixes reflect how the number sounds when spoken:
Number | Ordinal | Suffix |
---|---|---|
1 | 1st | -st |
2 | 2nd | -nd |
3 | 3rd | -rd |
4–20 | 4th, 5th… | -th |
21 | 21st | -st |
22 | 22nd | -nd |
23 | 23rd | -rd |
24+ | Follows pattern above |
Why “23th” Is Incorrect
Despite how it looks, “23th” is grammatically wrong. Here’s why:
- Suffix Misalignment
- The number 23 ends with “three.” Its ordinal form, “third,” requires the -rd suffix.
- Applying -th creates an inconsistency between how the word sounds (“third”) and how it’s written (“23th”).
- Common Misunderstanding
- People often assume -th is universal for ordinals, leading to mistakes like:
- “23th anniversary” (incorrect).
- “23th attempt” (wrong).
- People often assume -th is universal for ordinals, leading to mistakes like:
- Lack of Usage in Formal English
- Professional documents, academic writing, and dictionaries never recognize “23th” as valid.
Real-World Example of Errors
- Incorrect: “This is her 23th marathon.”
- Correct: “This is her 23rd marathon.”
Why “23rd” Is Correct
Using “23rd” aligns with the established rules of ordinal suffixes.
Phonetic Connection
When you pronounce “twenty-third,” the ending “-rd” matches the spoken word “third.” Writing it as “23rd” ensures consistency between pronunciation and spelling.
Practical Examples
- Dates: “The event is on the 23rd of June.”
- Rankings: “He placed 23rd in the competition.”
- Achievements: “This is her 23rd award this year.”
By sticking to “23rd,” you maintain accuracy and avoid confusion.
Other Incorrect Variations
Some people mistakenly use “23st” or “23nd” instead of “23rd.” Let’s examine why these forms are also incorrect:
Incorrect Form | Why It’s Wrong |
---|---|
23st | The suffix -st applies only to numbers ending in 1, like 1st or 21st. It doesn’t align with “third.” |
23nd | The suffix -nd is reserved for numbers ending in 2, such as 2nd or 22nd. It cannot be used with 23. |
Example of Misuse
- Incorrect: “She won 23nd place in the contest.”
- Correct: “She won 23rd place in the contest.”
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Making mistakes with ordinal numbers can be embarrassing, especially in formal settings. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Learn the Pattern
- Remember: “First, second, third, then add -rd for 3!”
- Numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3 have unique suffixes: -st, -nd, -rd.
2. Double-Check Your Work
- Proofread dates, rankings, and other ordinal usages.
- Use a grammar checker or style guide to catch errors.
3. Practice with Real-Life Examples
- Write sentences using ordinals to reinforce your understanding:
- “The meeting is on the 23rd of March.”
- “Her 23rd birthday is next month.”
4. Use Memory Aids
- Create rhymes or mnemonics:
- “If it’s twenty-three, write -rd to agree!”
Real-Life Contexts for “23rd”
Ordinal numbers like “23rd” appear frequently in daily life. Here are some scenarios where accuracy is essential:
1. Dates
- Correct: “The concert is on May 23rd.”
- Incorrect: “The concert is on May 23th.”
2. Rankings
- Correct: “He finished 23rd in the race.”
- Incorrect: “He finished 23th in the race.”
3. Birthdays and Anniversaries
- Correct: “We’re celebrating her 23rd birthday.”
- Incorrect: “We’re celebrating her 23th birthday.”
Quick Reference Table
Ordinal Rule | Example | Correct Form |
---|---|---|
Ends in 1: Add -st | “21st place in line” | 21st |
Ends in 2: Add -nd | “22nd attempt at baking” | 22nd |
Ends in 3: Add -rd | “23rd birthday celebration” | 23rd |
Ends in other numbers: -th | “24th of December” | 24th |
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “23th” and “23rd” boils down to following simple rules for ordinal numbers.
While “23th” might seem logical to some, it violates the standard suffix pattern.
Always use “23rd” to align with pronunciation and grammatical correctness.
By mastering this small detail, you’ll communicate more clearly and professionally. Remember, it’s all about consistency!
So, next time you’re writing about the 23rd of a month or someone’s 23rd achievement, you’ll get it right every time. ✅