Do you ever get confused between “three” and “third” or wonder when to use “ten” versus “tenth”? You’re not alone!
Understanding the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers is a key part of mastering everyday English.
These numbers pop up more often than you think, like when counting objects, scheduling events, or simply trying to express order.
Let’s break down what they are, how they work, and how to use them with confidence in real-life situations.
What are Cardinal Numbers?
Cardinal numbers are the basic numbers we use to count and tell how many of something there are.
They answer the question “how many?” and include numbers like one, two, three, four, and so on.
You use them when you're counting apples, books, or people in a room.
They're essential in everyday conversations, shopping, time-telling, and more.
What are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are used to show the position or order of something in a list.
Instead of telling us how many, they tell us which one–like first, second, third, and so on.
You use ordinal numbers when talking about dates (e.g., July 4th), competitions (e.g., she came in third), or steps in a process (e.g., the second step is...).
They help organize and sequence events clearly.
List of Cardinal Numbers and Ordinal Numbers in English
These numbers form the basis of how we count and sequence everything around us, from simple tasks to complex instructions:
Cardinal Numbers | Ordinal Numbers |
| 1 (One) | 1st (First) |
| 2 (Two) | 2nd (Second) |
| 3 (Three) | 3rd (Third) |
| 4 (Four) | 4th (Fourth) |
| 5 (Five) | 5th (Fifth) |
| 6 (Six) | 6th (Sixth) |
| 7 (Seven) | 7th (Seventh) |
| 8 (Eight) | 8 (Eighth) |
| 9 (Nine) | 9 (Ninth) |
| 10 (Ten) | 10 (Tenth) |
| 20 (Twenty) | 20 (Twentieth) |
| 30 (Thirty) | 30 (Thirtieth) |
| 40 (Forty) | 40 (Fortieth) |
| 50 (Fifty) | 50 (Fiftieth) |
| 60 (Sixty) | 60 (Sixtieth) |
| 70 (Seventy) | 70 (Seventieth) |
| 80 (Eighty) | 80 (Eightieth) |
| 90 (Ninety) | 90 (Ninetieth) |
| 100 (One hundred) | 100 (One hundredth) |
Examples of Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers in Sentences
Here are examples of sentences with cardinal and ordinal numbers to help illustrate how each type is used in real life:
Sentences with Cardinal Numbers
- I have two dogs and one cat.
- She bought three books from the bookstore.
- They invited ten people to the party.
- He drank five cups of coffee today.
- There are seven days in a week.
Sentences with Ordinal Numbers
- He finished in first place in the race.
- My birthday is on the twentieth of June.
- This is the third time I’ve seen that movie.
- Their office is on the seventh floor.
- She was the fourth person to arrive.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers, it’s time to put it into practice!
Try writing a few sentences using both types to describe your daily routine or even your top ten movies.
Improve your English skills with EZClass now! Also, check out the EZClass blog to discover more interesting articles.
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