In our lesson, we will talk about the topic of numbers in English grammar.
Numbers in English help us count, describe quantities, and express order. They come in two main types: cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers.
Example Sentences:
- The puppy is on the bed
- Let’s have lunch after the meeting.
Cardinal Numbers
Cardinal numbers are the numbers we use for counting and showing quantity. They answer the question “How many?” Here are some examples:
- One, two, three, four, five: These are the basic numbers we use to count objects, like “three apples” or “five books.”
- Larger numbers follow the same pattern: ten, twenty, thirty, and so on.
Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers show the position or order of things in a list. They answer the question “Which one?” Here are some examples:
- First, second, third, fourth, fifth: These numbers tell us the order, like “first place” in a race or “third chapter” in a book.
- They continue with sixth, seventh, eighth, and so on.
| Type | Numbers | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinal Numbers | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten |
| 10, 20, 30 | Ten, twenty, thirty | |
| 100, 1000 | One hundred, one thousand | |
| Ordinal Numbers | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | First, second, third |
| 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th | Fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth | |
| 10th, 20th | Tenth, twentieth |
Cardinal numbers are the ones we use for counting. They answer the question “How many?”. Ordinal numbers, on the other hand, tell us about the order or position of things. They answer the question “Which one in order?”.
Summary
In English, numbers are used to count and describe order. Cardinal numbers, like one, two, and three, tell us “how many” of something there are. Ordinal numbers, like first, second, and third, show the position or order of things.
Grammar Exercises
Practice online and check your results with answers.