Numerals in English

We are confronted with a score of times. Which day of the week, what today the date and year, how long, at what hour working day begins before that hour open shops. … Every day we use in speech figures and numbers and, therefore, numerals (numeral) are an integral and a very important part of our lives. Numerals in English, too, deserve attention, because almost none of the conversation can not do without them. What kind of a part of speech we call a numeral? That is the one that refers to the number and order of items in the bill. Looking at the definition, you can guess that all the numerals in the English language can be divided into two groups: quantitative (cardinal) and ordinal (ordinal).

Cardinal numbers in English

These numerals indicate the number of items at the account and use the question «how much?» (How many?). It almost any figures and numbers:

Seven birds were sitting on the roof. — Seven birds were sitting on the roof.

I remember thirty-two poems. — I remember thirty-two poem.

Two hundred and ten clerks were examined by the doctor. — The doctor examined two hundred and ten employees.

If the word million / thousand no other numerals, they can be used both in singular and plural: three million (s) of students. In addition, these numerals can act as a noun:

Thousands refused to continue their work. — Thousands refused to continue.

Ordinal numbers in English

In contrast to the previous group, ordinal numbers indicate the ordinal position of the object at the score, they belongs to the question «what? who? »(which?). These numerals are formed by adding the suffix — th: seven — seventh (seven — the seventh). The exceptions are the numerals «first», «second», «third» — first, second, third.

Fractions (fractional numbers) consist of two parts: quantitative and ordinal numbers, and the last is used as a noun: 2/3 — two thirds.

Decimals (decimal numbers) are pronounced as 2.63 — two point six three.

We should also mention such a thing as «zero». It will be performed in different ways depending on the situation:

0 — naught (in mathematics): 0.8 — naught point eight.

0 — zero (in science): -23 Celsius — twenty-three degrees below zero.

0 — o (ou) — in the phone number.

0 — nil / nothing (in sports) 3: 0 — score is three nothing (nil)

We touched upon all groups of numerals in English, telling them about the most important thing. If you need more information about a particular type of numeral in English, refer to the articles of our blog of the same name:

1. Cardinal numbers in English
2. Ordinal numbers in English
3. Dates and ordinal numbers in English
4. Fractional numerals in English

After reading them, we recommend to pass the following test: «The test for the use of numerals in the English language.»

 

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Grammar