How to Pronounce ORDINAL NUMBERS -- American English

Introduction

In this article, we will cover the pronunciation of ordinal numbers from 1 to 10 in American English. Ordinal numbers are the words that indicate position or rank in a sequential order, such as first, second, third, etc. This guide will break down the correct pronunciation for each number, highlighting important pronunciation tips.

Ordinal Numbers 1 to 10

1. First (1st)

   • Pronunciation: The word begins with the F sound. Your bottom lip touches the bottom of your top front teeth to produce the F.
   • Next, there's the IR vowel sound, which can be tricky. Think of it as a single vowel-r combination, where the tongue draws back and up towards the roof of the mouth.
   • Finally, it ends with the S sound.
   • Phonetic: /fɜrst/

2. Second (2nd)

   • Pronunciation: Starts with the S sound. Drop your jaw for the vowel as in "bed."
   • The second syllable is unstressed, so make it quick.
   • Then, we have the K and the D sounds.
   • Phonetic: /ˈsɛk(ə)nd/

3. Third (3rd)

   • Pronunciation: Begins with the unvoiced th sound, where the tongue tip comes through the teeth.
   • Followed by the IR vowel, just as in first, and ends with a light D sound.
   • Phonetic: /θɜrd/

4. Fourth (4th)

   • Pronunciation: Starts with the F sound. Here, you can use either the vowel sound as in "law" or "no."
   • It should be followed by the R sound and finished with the unvoiced th.
   • Phonetic: /fɔrθ/

5. Fifth (5th)

   • Pronunciation: Again, starts with the F sound followed by the I vowel as in "sit."
   • The ending combines F and the unvoiced th sound.
   • Phonetic: /fɪfθ/

6. Sixth (6th)

   • Pronunciation: Starts with the S, followed by I as in "sit."
   • Then, it combines K, S, and th sounds while keeping the vocal cords unengaged.
   • Phonetic: /sɪksθ/

7. Seventh (7th)

   • Pronunciation: Begins with the S sound and an A vowel with jaw drop.
   • It then moves into the V sound, followed by the schwa and N sounds, and ends with the th sound.
   • Phonetic: /ˈsɛv(ə)nθ/

8. Eighth (8th)

   • Pronunciation: Simple, starts with the A diphthong followed by the unvoiced th sound.
   • Phonetic: /eɪθ/

9. Ninth (9th)

   • Pronunciation: Begins with the N sound, followed by the I diphthong, and ends with the N sound and th.
   • Phonetic: /naɪnθ/

10. Tenth (10th)

    • Pronunciation: Starts with the true T sound, followed by the A vowel as in "second," and ends with the Nth sound.
    • Phonetic: /tɛnθ/

Practice these pronunciations regularly, and soon you will feel more confident using ordinal numbers in your American English conversations.

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Keyword

• Ordinal Numbers
• American English
• Pronunciation
• First
• Second
• Third
• Fourth
• Fifth
• Sixth
• Seventh
• Eighth
• Ninth
• Tenth
• Vowel Sounds
• Consonant Clusters

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FAQ

Q: What are ordinal numbers?
A: Ordinal numbers refer to the position or rank in a sequence, such as first, second, or third.

Q: Why is the IR vowel sound challenging?
A: The IR vowel is often thought of as needing a vowel sound before the R, but it's actually a single sound that requires the tongue to draw back and up towards the roof of the mouth.

Q: How can I practice these pronunciations?
A: Record yourself saying sentences that include ordinal numbers and compare your pronunciation to native speakers.

Q: What's the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers?
A: Cardinal numbers indicate quantity (1, 2, 3) while ordinal numbers indicate position (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Q: Why are consonant clusters important in pronunciation?
A: Consonant clusters can make pronunciation more complex, so practicing them helps improve overall clarity in speaking.