23th or 23rd? Pick Right One

Christopher

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:

NumberOrdinalSuffix
11st-st
22nd-nd
33rd-rd
4–204th, 5th…-th
2121st-st
2222nd-nd
2323rd-rd
24+Follows pattern above

Why “23th” Is Incorrect

Despite how it looks, “23th” is grammatically wrong. Here’s why:

  1. 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”).
  2. Common Misunderstanding
    • People often assume -th is universal for ordinals, leading to mistakes like:
      • “23th anniversary” (incorrect).
      • “23th attempt” (wrong).
  3. Lack of Usage in Formal English
    • Professional documents, academic writing, and dictionaries never recognize “23th” as valid.
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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 FormWhy It’s Wrong
23stThe suffix -st applies only to numbers ending in 1, like 1st or 21st. It doesn’t align with “third.”
23ndThe 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.”
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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 RuleExampleCorrect 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. ✅

jessica-thompson

About the author

As an experienced English teacher, I’m Jessica Thompson, here to make grammar and vocabulary simple and fun. Join me on TalkSpeaker as we explore the language together, one lesson at a time!

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