GV

Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers

Counting vs ordering: one/first, two/second, three/third

beginner

When to Use Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers

  • •Cardinal: counting, quantity. I have three books. There are ten people.
  • •Ordinal: position, order. She came first. It's my second attempt.
  • •Dates: ordinal. January 1st (first), March 3rd (third).
  • •Floors: ordinal. The third floor, the 21st century.
  • •Fractions: ordinal for denominator. One third (1/3), two fifths (2/5).

How to Form Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers

Affirmative (+)

Cardinal: one, two, three... Ordinal: first, second, third...

Negative (-)

Same forms

Question (?)

How many? (cardinal) Which one? (ordinal)

💡 Ordinal endings: -st (1st, 21st), -nd (2nd, 22nd), -rd (3rd, 23rd), -th (4th-20th, 24th+).

Examples of Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers

✓This is my first visit.

✗This is my one visit.

Use ordinal for position/order.

✓I have two sisters.

✗I have second sisters.

Use cardinal for quantity.

✓She finished third.

✗She finished three.

Use ordinal for ranking.

Common Mistakes with Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers

💡 Practice Tips for Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers

  • • Cardinal: how many? (one, two, three, four, five...).
  • • Ordinal: which position? (first, second, third, fourth, fifth...).
  • • Irregular: first (not oneth), second (not twoth), third (not threeth).
  • • Endings: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then 4th, 5th, 6th... 11th, 12th, 13th... 21st, 22nd, 23rd...
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.She finished   in the marathon.
  2. 2.I live on the   floor.
  3. 3.There are   months in a year.
  4. 4.Today is January  .
  5. Question 5: She came blank in the race. (position #2 — write the ordinal word)
    5.She came in the race. (position #2 — write the ordinal word)
  6. Question 6: We need blank chairs for the meeting. (write the cardinal number for 8)
    6.We need chairs for the meeting. (write the cardinal number for 8)
  7. Question 7: It's the blank time I've reminded you! (irregular ordinal — count the warnings: this is #3)
    7.It's the time I've reminded you! (irregular ordinal — count the warnings: this is #3)
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