23rd vs. 23th – Which is Correct?
The correct ordinal number is 23rd. The form “23th” is a common misspelling and is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ordinal numbers like “first,” “second,” and “third” follow specific patterns, and for numbers ending in three, the “rd” suffix is used, as in “twenty-third.”
23rd or 23th – Which is Correct?
When referring to the position in a sequence or a date, 23rd is the only correct spelling. The form “23th” is a frequent error, often arising from confusion with other ordinal numbers that end in “-th” (like “fourth,” “fifth,” or “sixth”). The root cause of this misspelling is typically phonetic confusion, as the “th” sound is common in many ordinal numbers, but specific rules apply to numbers ending in one, two, or three.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
The simplest trick to remember the correct spelling is to recall the first three ordinal numbers: “first,” “second,” and “third.” Any number ending in 1 (except 11) will use “st” (e.g., 21st). Any number ending in 2 (except 12) will use “nd” (e.g., 22nd). Crucially, any number ending in 3 (except 13) will use “rd” (e.g., 23rd). Since “twenty-three” ends in “three,” it takes the “rd” suffix.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23rd | Ordinal Adjective / Adverb | The position after 22nd in a sequence; relating to the number twenty-three. | The meeting is scheduled for June 23rd. |
| 23th | Incorrect Spelling | N/A (grammatically incorrect) | Incorrect: We celebrate the 23th anniversary. |
How to Use 23rd
The term “23rd” is an ordinal number used to indicate position, sequence, or a date. It functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., “the 23rd day”) or as an adverb when referring to a specific date (e.g., “on the 23rd”). It is standard in both formal and casual contexts. When written out, it is “twenty-third.”
Example 1: Her birthday falls on the 23rd of July this year.
Example 2: The athlete finished in 23rd place, a personal best.
Example 3: Please submit your report by the 23rd, no later.
Etymology of the word 23rd
The word “23rd” is a compound of the cardinal number “twenty-three” and the ordinal suffix “-rd,” which derives from the word “third.” “Third” itself comes from the Old English “þridda,” which has Germanic roots. The pattern of using “-rd” for numbers ending in “three” has been consistent in English for centuries, distinguishing it from the more common “-th” suffix used for most other ordinal numbers.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammar concepts related to numbers and suffixes can help clarify why “23rd” is correct and “23th” is not.
- Ordinal Numbers: These are numbers that indicate position or order in a sequence (e.g., first, second, third, twenty-third). They differ from cardinal numbers (one, two, three) which denote quantity.
- Number Suffixes: English ordinal numbers use specific suffixes: “-st” for numbers ending in 1 (except 11), “-nd” for numbers ending in 2 (except 12), “-rd” for numbers ending in 3 (except 13), and “-th” for most other numbers.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible.”
- “Our flight departs on June 23rd, so make sure your passport is valid.” – From a travel blog, June 4, 2026
- “He was the 23rd President to serve in that office, a figure often overlooked by historians.”
- “The 23rd Street Station is a busy hub for commuters during peak hours.”
- “By the 23rd chapter, the plot had thickened considerably, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.”
23rd Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Twenty-third | The spelled-out form of the ordinal number 23rd. |
| 23rd in order | Emphasizes the sequential position. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is it “23rd” and not “23th”?
The rule for ordinal numbers states that numbers ending in ‘3’ (except 13) use the suffix ‘-rd’ (e.g., third, twenty-third). Numbers ending in ‘1’ use ‘-st’, ‘2’ use ‘-nd’, and most others use ‘-th’.
Question 2: How do I write “23rd” in full?
When written out in full, “23rd” becomes “twenty-third.” This applies whether it’s used as an adjective (e.g., “the twenty-third anniversary”) or as part of a date (e.g., “June twenty-third”).
Question 3: Can “23rd” be used for dates?
Yes, “23rd” is commonly used for dates. For example, you might say “The event is on the 23rd of August” or “August 23rd.”
Conclusion
To conclude, the definitive correct form is 23rd. The variant “23th” is a common error resulting from a misunderstanding of ordinal number suffixes in English. Remembering the pattern of “first,” “second,” and “third” is key to correctly forming ordinal numbers like “twenty-third.” A pro tip for professional communication: always double-check ordinal numbers, especially those ending in 1, 2, or 3, as using the correct suffix enhances clarity and reinforces your credibility.
