Numbers in English: Cardinal and Ordinal Explained

Numbers are essential in everyday English. We use them to talk about dates, prices, age, order, time, and quantities. In English, numbers are divided into cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers. This guide explains both clearly with examples to help beginners understand and use them correctly.

What Are Cardinal Numbers?

Cardinal numbers show quantity or amount. They answer the question “How many?”

Common Cardinal Numbers:

• one, two, three, four, five

• ten, twenty, thirty

• one hundred, one thousand

Examples:

• I have three books.

• She is twenty years old.

• There are five students in the class.

Cardinal numbers are the most frequently used numbers in English.

What Are Ordinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers show position or order. They answer the question “Which one?” or “In what order?”

Common Ordinal Numbers:

• first (1st)

• second (2nd)

• third (3rd)

• fourth (4th)

• fifth (5th)

Examples:

• This is my first English lesson.

• She finished in second place.

• Today is the third of May.

How to Form Ordinal Numbers

Most ordinal numbers are formed by adding -th to the cardinal number.

Examples:

• four → fourth

• six → sixth

• ten → tenth

Irregular Ordinal Numbers:

• one → first

• two → second

• three → third

• five → fifth

• eight → eighth

• nine → ninth

• twelve → twelfth

Using Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers Correctly

1. Dates

• Cardinal: Today is May three ❌

• Ordinal: Today is May third ✅

2. Floors and Levels

• She lives on the second floor.

• Our classroom is on the third floor.

3. Rankings and Positions

• He won first prize.

• This is my fourth attempt.

4. Age and Quantity

• I am twenty-five years old.

• She has two brothers.

Spelling Rules to Remember

• Numbers ending in -y change to -ie before adding -th

  • twenty → twentieth

  • thirty → thirtieth

• Hyphenate numbers between 21 and 99

  • twenty-one

  • thirty-four

Common Mistakes with Numbers in English

• ❌ He is in the three class

• ✅ He is in the third class

• ❌ My birthday is on May five

• ✅ My birthday is on May fifth

Cardinal numbers show quantity, such as one, two, and three, while ordinal numbers show order or position, such as first, second, and third. Cardinal numbers answer “how many,” and ordinal numbers answer “which one” or “in what order.”

Tips to Learn Numbers Faster

• Practice numbers with dates and prices

• Say numbers aloud to improve pronunciation

• Write ordinal numbers in daily sentences

• Use calendars and schedules for real-life practice

English Grammar Rules for Beginners
How to Learn English Step by Step for Beginners

🔗 External resource: British Council – Numbers in English

Final Thoughts

Understanding cardinal and ordinal numbers is a basic but powerful step in learning English. With regular practice, using numbers in English becomes natural and automatic.