How to Pronounce Ordinal Numbers in English?

Introduction

Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of something or someone in a series. Learning how to pronounce them correctly is important, not only for communication purposes but also for academic and professional settings. In this article, we will go through the rules of pronouncing ordinal numbers in English.

Basic rules

1. Numbers ending in -th: When pronouncing ordinal numbers that end with -th, we stress the -t- sound. Examples: fifth (fifTH), ninth (nintH), twentieth (twentieTH).

2. Numbers ending in -y: When pronouncing ordinal numbers that end with -y (e.g. twenty-two, thirty-three), we stress the -e- sound in -teen or -ty. Examples: twenty-second (twentieTH tu) and thirty-third (thurtieTH tu).

Exceptions and special cases

1. Numbers ending in -st: When pronouncing ordinal numbers that end with -st, we stress the -s- sound. However, for numbers ending in 1, we add the -d sound before the -s- sound. Examples: first (ferST), second (SEK-und), third (THURD), fourth (FORTH), and twenty-first (twentieFURST).

2. Numbers ending in -nd: When pronouncing ordinal numbers that end with -nd, we stress the -n- sound. However, for numbers ending in 2, we add the -d sound before the -n- sound. Examples: second (SEK-und), twelfth (TWEFTH), and twenty-second (twentieTUHND).

3. Numbers ending in -rd: When pronouncing ordinal numbers that end with -rd, we stress the -r- sound. However, for numbers ending in 3, we add the -d sound before the -r- sound. Examples: third (THURD), thirteenth (THURDteentH), and twenty-third (twentieTHURD).

Conclusion

Pronouncing ordinal numbers correctly may seem tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. Remember the basic rules and the exceptions mentioned above, and pay attention to English speakers when they use ordinal numbers in conversations or speeches. Keep practicing, and soon you will be able to use them flawlessly.