21th vs. 21st — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 24, 2024
21th is incorrect. The proper ordinal representation for twenty-one is 21st, denoting a position after the 20th.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: 21th or 21st
How to spell 21st?
21th
Incorrect Spelling
21st
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
The sound "twenty-one" ends in "-one," echoing the "st" in "first."
Remember that the one before it, 20th, ends in “th”, so 21st shifts to “st”.
Think of turning 21, a significant age, to imprint the correct spelling of "21st."
Numbers ending in 1, excluding those in the tens, take the suffix "st" (like 1st, 21st, 31st).
Visualize "21st" on birthday cards, especially those celebrating 21st birthdays.
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How Do You Spell 21st Correctly?
Incorrect: He finished in the 21th place in the race.
Correct: He finished in the 21st place in the race.
Incorrect: It's her 21th birthday today.
Correct: It's her 21st birthday today.
Incorrect: The 21th century is known for its technological advancements.
Correct: The 21st century is known for its technological advancements.
Incorrect: The celebration is on the 21th of May.
Correct: The celebration is on the 21st of May.
Incorrect: I read the 21th chapter of the book last night.
Correct: I read the 21st chapter of the book last night.
21st Definitions
Represents a specific position in an order.
The company is ranked 21st globally.
Used to express a milestone or benchmark.
This is the 21st achievement of its kind.
The ordinal number succeeding the 20th.
She's celebrating her 21st birthday today.
Signifies an age of legal adulthood in many countries.
He can legally drink at 21st in the US.
Indicates a particular day of a month.
The event is scheduled for the 21st.
Abbreviation of twenty-first
Coming next after the twentieth in a series
Coming next after the twentieth in position
21st Meaning in a Sentence
I'll meet you on the 21st of April at the coffee shop.
The 21st season of the TV show introduced new characters.
The 21st century has seen significant changes in communication technology.
The company celebrated its 21st anniversary with a big event.
She won 1st place in the competition on her 21st try.
On the 21st of December, we gather to celebrate the winter solstice.
He's looking forward to his 21st birthday next month.
Her 21st birthday party was a memorable celebration.
The 21st chapter of the novel was the most exciting one.
The 21st amendment to the United States Constitution ended Prohibition.
The 21st floor of the building offers an amazing view of the city.
Their 21st game of the season was a thrilling victory.
She's planning a big trip for her 21st birthday.
The 21st of March marks the beginning of spring in many cultures.
The museum's 21st exhibition features modern art from around the world.
The club is hosting a special event on the 21st to celebrate its anniversary.
In the 21st century, smartphones have become a necessity for many people.
The teacher assigned the 21st problem as homework.
The 21st player to join the team brought new energy and skills.
He ran his first marathon on his 21st birthday.
The 21st of June is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
On his 21st attempt, he finally perfected the recipe.
The 21st of September is recognized as International Peace Day.
The 21st century has been called the "digital age."
Her goal is to read at least 21 books in the 21st year of her life.
21st Idioms & Phrases
21st in line
Being the 21st person in a sequence or order.
He was the 21st in line, but he still managed to get tickets to the concert.
In the 21st hour
Doing something at the last possible moment.
She completed her assignment in the 21st hour, just before the deadline.
The 21st of the month
Referring to the specific day in any given month.
We always pay rent on the 21st of the month.
21st-century fox
A modern and clever person, adept at navigating today's complex world.
With her tech startup success, she's considered a 21st-century fox.
21st-century skills
Abilities considered essential for success in today's world, such as critical thinking, communication, and technology literacy.
Schools are now focusing on teaching 21st-century skills to prepare students for the future.
The 21st chapter
Used to signify a significant phase or turn in events, as in a book or life.
Moving to a new city felt like starting the 21st chapter of her life.
Celebrating the 21st
Marking the occasion of someone's 21st birthday, often with a party or other event.
Her parents are throwing a huge bash for celebrating her 21st.
A 21st-century problem
An issue that is particularly relevant or unique to the current century.
Online privacy is definitely a 21st-century problem.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of 21st?
The root word is "twenty-one."
What is the pronunciation of 21st?
It's pronounced "twenty-first."
Which vowel is used before 21st?
Typically, "a" is used, as in "a 21st."
Which preposition is used with 21st?
For dates or positions, "on" can be used, as in "on the 21st."
Why is it called 21st?
It's called 21st because it denotes the ordinal position following the 20th.
Which conjunction is used with 21st?
Any conjunction can be used with "21st" depending on sentence structure; there isn't a specific one.
Which article is used with 21st?
Both "the" and "a" can be used with 21st, depending on context.
What is the plural form of 21st?
Ordinal numbers like 21st don't have a standard plural form.
What is the verb form of 21st?
21st doesn't have a verb form; it's an ordinal number.
Is 21st a negative or positive word?
It's neutral; neither negative nor positive.
What is the singular form of 21st?
21st is already in its singular form.
How many syllables are in 21st?
There are three syllables: twen-ty-first.
How do we divide 21st into syllables?
21st is divided as twen-ty-first.
What part of speech is 21st?
It can be an adjective or a noun, based on its use.
What is the opposite of 21st?
There isn't a direct opposite, but in a sequence, the first would be farthest from the 21st.
What is the stressed syllable in 21st?
The first syllable, "twen," is stressed.
What is another term for 21st?
There isn't a specific synonymous term for the ordinal number 21st.
Is 21st a noun or adjective?
21st can function as both a noun (e.g., "the 21st of the month") and an adjective (e.g., "the 21st contestant").
How is 21st used in a sentence?
"He plans to celebrate his birthday on the 21st of this month."
Is the word “21st” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can function as either, depending on the sentence structure.
Which determiner is used with 21st?
Common determiners include "the" or "a."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
