33th or 33rd? Which One Is Right

Christopher

Have you ever stumbled over whether to write “33th” or “33rd“? You’re not alone. This common error confuses both English learners and native speakers alike.

The correct form is 33rd, and understanding why can save you from making avoidable mistakes in writing and speech.

The correct form is “33rd” because numbers ending in 3 use the -rd suffix, while “33th” is incorrect.

Let’s break it down and dive deep into the rules, explanations, and practical tips for mastering ordinal numbers.


What Are Ordinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers represent position or rank in a sequence, such as first, second, or third. Unlike cardinal numbers (e.g., 1, 2, 3), which count quantities, ordinal numbers show order:

  • “She finished first in the race.”
  • “They live on the fifth floor.”

Common Ordinal Suffixes

English uses four main suffixes to create ordinal numbers:

Number EndingOrdinal SuffixExamples
1-st1st, 21st, 101st
2-nd2nd, 22nd, 102nd
3-rd3rd, 23rd, 103rd
Other Numbers-th4th, 11th, 20th

Why “33th” Is Incorrect

“33th” may seem logical since most ordinal numbers use the -th suffix. However, there are specific exceptions for numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3:

  1. 1st (first)
  2. 2nd (second)
  3. 3rd (third)

Explanation

The number 33 ends with a 3, so the appropriate suffix is -rd, making 33rd the correct spelling. Using 33th is a grammatical error because it disregards this rule.

Incorrect Usage Example

“He placed 33th in the competition.”

Why is this wrong? The suffix -th does not apply to numbers ending in 3 (except for exceptions like 13th).

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Why “33rd” Is Correct

“33rd” follows the established rules of English grammar. The suffix -rd is reserved for numbers ending in 3, ensuring clarity and consistency.

Examples of Correct Usage

Here are some sentences where “33rd” is correctly used:

  • “We celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary.”
  • “She was ranked 33rd in the national competition.”

Notice how “33rd” fits naturally into these contexts, emphasizing order without confusion.


Understanding Exceptions

Teen Numbers

Ordinal numbers ending in 11, 12, and 13 are exceptions to the usual rules. These numbers always take the -th suffix, regardless of their last digit.

NumberOrdinal Form
1111th
1212th
1313th

Why the Exceptions?

Historically, English developed these exceptions to simplify pronunciation and ensure consistency. While it may seem confusing at first, memorizing these exceptions can prevent errors.


Common Mistakes with Ordinal Numbers

Misusing Suffixes

It’s easy to make mistakes when writing ordinal numbers, especially when dealing with higher numbers. Here are some common errors:

  • Incorrect: “33th”
  • Correct: “33rd”
  • Incorrect: “21nd”
  • Correct: “21st”
  • Incorrect: “42rd”
  • Correct: “42nd”

Overgeneralizing Patterns

Many learners mistakenly apply the -th suffix to all ordinal numbers. This is a natural tendency but incorrect.

Quick Tip: Look at the Last Digit

  • If the number ends in 1, 2, or 3, use -st, -nd, or -rd respectively (except for 11, 12, and 13).

Practical Tips for Correct Usage

Here’s how you can avoid common errors:

  • Memorize the Exceptions: Remember that 11th, 12th, and 13th are exceptions.
  • Use Context: Think about how the ordinal number is used in a sentence.
  • Double-Check: If unsure, refer to reliable grammar resources or tools.
  • Practice Regularly: Write sentences using ordinal numbers to build confidence.
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Examples of Correct and Incorrect Forms

NumberIncorrect FormCorrect Form
3333th33rd
2121nd21st
4242rd42nd
1111st11th

Why Precision in Writing Matters

Using the wrong ordinal form can harm your credibility, especially in professional or academic settings. Consider these examples:

  • Professional Context: “Our company ranked 33th on the Fortune 500 list” appears sloppy and unprofessional.
  • Personal Context: Writing “Happy 33th Birthday!” on a card can leave the recipient puzzled.

By adhering to the rules, you communicate clearly and effectively.


FAQs About Ordinal Numbers

Q: What’s the correct ordinal form of 113?
A: The correct form is 113th. Numbers ending in 13 always take the -th suffix.

Q: Why does English have exceptions for 11th, 12th, and 13th?
A: These exceptions evolved to simplify pronunciation and maintain consistency in written and spoken language.

Q: Can I use “33th” in informal writing?
A: While some may overlook it in casual contexts, it’s always better to use the correct form, 33rd, for clarity.


Summary

The choice between “33th” and “33rd” may seem minor, but it reflects your grasp of English grammar. Here’s what to remember:

  • “33rd” is correct because the number ends in 3, requiring the -rd suffix.
  • “33th” is incorrect, as -th does not apply to numbers ending in 3.
  • Pay attention to exceptions like 11th, 12th, and 13th.

Final Thought

Mastering ordinal numbers not only improves your writing but also boosts your confidence in communicating clearly. Next time you’re faced with “33th vs 33rd,” you’ll know exactly what to do!

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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