Meaning & use
18th
Last updated
Meanings
numberbefore a noun
Shows position eighteen in an order, date, or sequence.
Grammar: Comes directly before a noun: the 18th century, not the 18th of century.
Patterns
- the 18th century
- in 18th place
- the 18th something
The 18th century brought new machines and new ideas.
She finished in 18th place after a strong final lap.
They live on the 18th floor of the building.
numberusually singular
Names the day or point in a sequence numbered eighteen.
Grammar: Used with the as a noun: the 18th of May; contrast the cardinal 18 May in American style.
Patterns
- the 18th of May
- on the 18th
- by the 18th
The rent is due on the 18th.
The 18th of June is our last exam day.
We moved the call to the 18th.
Common combinations
- the 18th century
- Many novels describe life in the 18th century.
- 18th place
- The team earned 18th place in the final standings.
- on the 18th
- Please send the form on the 18th.
- the 18th of May
- The picnic is set for the 18th of May.
Word family
- eighteen number
- The cardinal form used for amounts.
- eighteenth number
- The full written ordinal corresponding to 18th.
Commonly confused: 18th or 18? 18th or 80th?
18th vs 18
18 is a cardinal amount; 18th shows order or date position.
18th vs 80th
80th is eightieth; keep eighteen and eighty separate in spelling and sound.
Practice
The deadline is on May ___.
Choose one answer.
Dates need an ordinal, so May 18th is correct; 18 and eighteen are cardinal amounts, and 18s is not a date form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “18th”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.