Have you ever wondered whether to write “23rd” or “23th”? If so, you’re not alone! Many people, including students and even adults, get confused when writing dates or numbers in English. This article will explain in simple words why “23rd” is correct and why “23th” is wrong. Let’s dive in!
Why is “23rd” Correct?
English uses ordinal numbers to show the position or order of something (like dates, rankings, or sequences). These numbers usually end in:
- -st for numbers ending in 1 (except 11) → 1st, 21st, 31st
- -nd for numbers ending in 2 (except 12) → 2nd, 22nd
- -rd for numbers ending in 3 (except 13) → 3rd, 23rd
- -th for most other numbers → 4th, 5th, 6th, etc.
Since 23 ends in 3, it follows the rule of adding “-rd” at the end, making it 23rd.
Why is “23th” Incorrect?
“23th” is a common mistake because many people think that all numbers follow the “-th” rule. However, as we explained earlier, numbers ending in 3 (except 13) must use “-rd.”
For example:
- 23rd is correct ✅
- 23th is incorrect ❌
The same rule applies to 33rd, 43rd, 53rd, and so on.
Common Mistakes with Ordinal Numbers
Many people also get confused with these numbers:
- 11st ❌ (wrong) → 11th ✅ (correct)
- 12nd ❌ (wrong) → 12th ✅ (correct)
- 13rd ❌ (wrong) → 13th ✅ (correct)
The numbers 11, 12, and 13 are exceptions and always take “-th,” no matter what.
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Using “23rd” in Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use “23rd” correctly:
- “My birthday is on March 23rd.”
- “This is the 23rd time I’ve watched this movie!”
- “Our school’s 23rd annual sports day is coming soon.”
Easy Trick to Remember the Right Form
A simple way to avoid mistakes is:
- Look at the last digit of the number
- If it’s 1, 2, or 3, use st, nd, or rd (except 11, 12, 13)
- For all other numbers, use -th
Fun Fact About “23rd”
Did you know? The number 23 is often called mysterious because it appears in history, science, and pop culture. For example:
- Michael Jordan wore the number 23 on his basketball jersey.
- The 23rd pair of human chromosomes determines gender.
- There’s even a “23 Enigma” belief that this number appears frequently in life!
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you’re writing a date or ordinal number, remember: “23rd” is correct, and “23th” does not exist!
This simple rule will help you avoid mistakes and sound more confident in English. Keep practicing, and soon, you won’t even have to think about it!
Did this article help you? Share it with your friends and classmates so they never write “23th” again! 🎉
Aditi is a dedicated blogger and educator passionate about simplifying learning. On Worth Learn, she shares insightful tips and guides across niches like grammar, punctuation, and effective communication. Her clear, engaging writing helps readers grow and achieve their goals effortlessly.