42 Ordinal Numbers

Advertising

Introduction

Ordinal numbers express numerical sequences, positioning elements in a list.

Form

Ordinal numbers are usually preceded by the definite article the and they are usually placed after the verb.

Ordinal numbers are made by adding -th* to the cardinal numbers (1 – 10):

  • 1st* – First
  • 2nd* – Second
  • 3rd* – Third
  • 4thFourth
  • 5th* – Fifth
  • 6thSixth
  • 7thSeventh
  • 8th* – Eighth
  • 9th* – Ninth
  • 10thTenth

*The exceptions (also twelve = twelfth).

Example

  • He was the first on the list. / He was the 1st on the list.
  • It’s my second time in Sweden. / It’s my 2nd time in Sweden.
  • I want the third cake. / I want the 3rd cake.

Use

We use ordinal numbers to express the position of something in a sequence. Unlike cardinal numbers, which are used to express the quantity of something.

Summary

Ordinal numbers are used to position elements in a sequential order.

Ordinal numbers are made by adding -th to the cardinal numbers: first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth.

For example:
— “It’s my fifth time in Spain.” = This is the current number of times I have visited Spain and I am there now (fifth = ordinal number).
♦ “I’ve been to Spain five times.” = The total number of times I visited Spain and I am not there anymore (five = cardinal number).

NOTE: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 12 are exceptions (as their ordinal numbers don’t follow the general formation rule: first, second, third, fiftheighth, ninth and twelfth).

Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.

Exercises


The exercises are not created yet. If you would like to get involve with their creation, be a contributor.



Ambassadors

Open TextBooks are collaborative projects, with people from all over the world bringing their skills and interests to join in the compilation and dissemination of knowledge to everyone and everywhere.

Become an Ambassador and write your textbooks.

Online Teaching

Become a Books4Languages Online tutor & teacher.

More information here about how to be a tutor.

Translations


Contributors

The Books4Languages is a collaborative projects, with people from all over the world bringing their skills and interests to join in the compilation and dissemination of knowledge to everyone, everywhere.

License