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21.11 ordinal numbers, abbreviations and Roman numerals There are three forms of writing ordinal numbers:
Form (A) word e.g. first, second, third, fourth. Form (B) abbreviation e.g.
1st, 2nd, rd, 4th. Form (C) Roman numeral e.g.
I, II, III, IV. 1. Use Form A within the main text of a manuscript.
2. Use Form B with centuries, millenniums, dynasties etc.
3. Form B can also be used (e.g. July 4th) but usage with the cardinal form is equally acceptable and
avoids possible errors with - st, -rd, and
-th. 4. Some conference names use Form A, others Form Band others Form C – there appears to be no rationale for deciding which form to use. Note do not mix the forms (e.g.
IIIrd ).
5. Use Form C with the names of people.
6. Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) are used much more frequently than Roman numerals (III, III) for section numbering in papers.
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