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Articles with Ordinal Numbers (the first, the second)

Use 'the' with ordinal numbers because they point to a specific position in an order.

intermediate

When to Use Articles with Ordinal Numbers (the first, the second)

  • •When ranking or ordering things: the first, the second, the third.
  • •In common phrases: the first time, the last time, the next day.
  • •When the order makes the item uniquely identifiable.
  • •When referring to chapters/parts in a series: the first chapter, the second part.

How to Form Articles with Ordinal Numbers (the first, the second)

Affirmative (+)

the + ordinal + noun

Negative (-)

Do not usually use a/an with ordinals when you mean a specific position.

Question (?)

Is it the first/second/last...?

💡 Ordinals usually behave like definites: the first train, the second question. In some set phrases, 'next/last' often take zero article: next week, last year (see special cases).

Examples of Articles with Ordinal Numbers (the first, the second)

✓This is the first time I’ve visited London.

✗This is first time I’ve visited London.

Ordinals typically need 'the'.

✓Take the second left.

✗Take a second left.

You mean a specific position in an order.

✓The last bus leaves at 11.

Last identifies a unique item in a sequence.

Common Mistakes with Articles with Ordinal Numbers (the first, the second)

💡 Practice Tips for Articles with Ordinal Numbers (the first, the second)

  • • Look for ordering words (first/second/third/last) and check for 'the'.
  • • Practice fixed phrases: the first time, the last time, the next day.
  • • Contrast with 'next/last' time expressions that often take no article: next week, last year.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.This is   first time I've seen snow.
  2. 2.Take   second left after the bridge.
  3. Question 3: She read blank second chapter before going to bed.
    3.She read second chapter before going to bed.
  4. Question 4: We're meeting again blank (next) week. (time expression)
    4.We're meeting again (next) week. (time expression)
  5. 5.He came   in the race.
  6. Question 6: Don't be blank first to leave the meeting.
    6.Don't be first to leave the meeting.
  7. Question 7: Is this blank third time she has called?
    7.Is this third time she has called?
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