22th vs. 22nd – Which is Correct?
The correct ordinal number is 22nd, representing the twenty-second position in a sequence. The form “22th” is incorrect and a common misspelling, likely arising from confusion with other ordinal numbers that end in “th,” such as “fourth” or “twentieth.” Always use “22nd” in both formal and informal writing.
22th or 22nd – Which is Correct?
When referring to the position after twenty-first, the correct ordinal number is unequivocally 22nd. The form “22th” is a grammatical error and should never be used. This common mistake often stems from phonetic confusion, as many English ordinal numbers end with “-th” (e.g., “fourth,” “fifth,” “eleventh,” “twentieth”). However, for numbers ending in “one,” “two,” or “three,” specific suffixes are used: “st” for first (1st, 21st, 31st), “nd” for second (2nd, 22nd, 32nd), and “rd” for third (3rd, 23rd, 33rd).
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To easily remember whether to use “22th” or “22nd,” focus on the last digit of the number. The number “22” ends in a “2”. Just like “second” ends in “nd,” so does “22nd.” Think: “Two” always takes “nd” for its ordinal form, whether it’s 2nd, 22nd, or 32nd. If the number ends in “2”, the ordinal suffix is “nd.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22nd | Ordinal Adjective / Ordinal Number | Indicating the position after the twenty-first in a sequence. | Her birthday is on the 22nd of July. |
| 22th | Incorrect | A common misspelling of “22nd.” | (Incorrect usage: “The 22th anniversary.”) |
How to Use 22nd
The ordinal number 22nd is used to denote the twenty-second item, position, or instance in a series. It functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to specify its order. It is crucial for clarity and grammatical correctness, particularly in dates, rankings, and sequential listings. Using “22nd” ensures your writing maintains a professional and accurate tone.
Example 1: The company will celebrate its 22nd anniversary next month.
Example 2: She finished the marathon in 22nd place, a personal best.
Example 3: Please submit your report by the 22nd of June, 2026.
What are the different forms of 22nd?
As an ordinal number, “22nd” primarily exists in this singular form. It represents the twenty-second position and does not typically inflect for tense, pluralization, or degrees of comparison like verbs, nouns, or most adjectives. Its written form can be “22nd” or “twenty-second.”
Etymology of the word 22nd
The term “22nd” derives from Old English. The cardinal number “twenty” comes from twēntig, meaning “two tens.” “Second” originates from Old English secund, adopted from Latin secundus, meaning “following” or “next.” Over time, the combined form “twenty-second” evolved, and the abbreviated “22nd” became the standard ordinal notation, adhering to the pattern for numbers ending in “two.”
Related Concepts
Understanding these grammatical concepts can further clarify why “22nd” is correct and “22th” is not.
Just as we distinguish between ’22nd’ and ’22th’, it’s important to understand how to Compare vs. Contrast other concepts accurately.
- Ordinal Numbers: These numbers indicate position or order in a sequence (e.g., first, second, third). Unlike cardinal numbers (one, two, three), ordinals answer the question “Which one?” or “In what order?”
- Suffixes: Suffixes are letters added to the end of a word to form a derivative. For ordinal numbers, the suffixes “-st,” “-nd,” and “-rd” are specific to numbers ending in 1, 2, and 3 respectively (except for 11th, 12th, 13th), while most others use “-th.”
Examples from Media and Literature
Here are examples of the correct usage of “22nd” in various contexts:
- “The 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution limits presidential terms.” (Legal/Political context)
- “On the 22nd day of the expedition, they finally reached the summit.” (Adventure narrative)
- “His new book, his 22nd, explores themes of resilience and hope.” (Literary review)
- “The 22nd annual film festival will feature a diverse selection of international movies.” (News report)
- “The meeting is scheduled for the 22nd, so please mark your calendars.” (Professional communication)
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why do some people say or write “22th” instead of “22nd”?
This typically occurs due to phonetic interference and generalization. Many ordinal numbers end in “th” (like “fourth” or “twentieth”), leading some to incorrectly apply this suffix to numbers like “22” which should take “nd.”
Question 2: Is “twenty-second” the same as “22nd”?
Yes, “twenty-second” is the full written form of the ordinal number “22nd.” Both are grammatically correct and interchangeable depending on context and style guidelines (e.g., formal writing often prefers spelled-out numbers).
Question 3: How do I remember the correct suffix for ordinal numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3?
The easiest way is to remember the base numbers: 1st (first), 2nd (second), 3rd (third). These suffixes apply to all numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3, except for 11, 12, and 13, which all use “th” (11th, 12th, 13th).
Conclusion
In summary, the correct ordinal form is always 22nd, signifying the twenty-second position. “22th” is a common but incorrect misspelling that should be avoided in all forms of writing. Remembering that numbers ending in “2” (like “second”) take the “nd” suffix is a reliable way to ensure accuracy.
Pro Tip: Consistent and correct use of ordinal numbers, such as “22nd,” reflects attention to detail and reinforces your credibility in both academic and professional communications. Always double-check numerical suffixes to maintain a polished and error-free presentation.
