Remember that forty is spelled without a 'u', unlike four or fourteen.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Forty is the number equal to four multiplied by ten.
- It is written as 'forty', not 'fourty'.
- It is used to describe quantities, ages, or measurements.
Overview
The word 'forty' is a cardinal number representing the value 40. It occupies a significant place in the English numbering system, serving as the base for the 'forties' decade. Usage Patterns: It functions as a determiner (e.g., 'forty people') or as a noun (e.g., 'he is in his forties'). When used in a sentence, it behaves like any other number, preceding a plural noun. Common Contexts: You will frequently encounter 'forty' when discussing age, time (as in minutes), or counting large groups of items. It is also common in idioms and historical references, such as the phrase 'forty winks' for a short nap. Similar Words Comparison: It is often compared to 'four' (4) and 'fourteen' (14). While 'four' is the base digit, 'forty' is its multiple. A critical distinction is that 'forty' drops the 'u' found in 'four' and 'fourteen', a unique orthographic feature in English that often causes confusion for learners.
Examples
I have been waiting for forty minutes.
everydayHe esperado por cuarenta minutos.
The company employs forty staff members.
formalLa empresa emplea a cuarenta miembros del personal.
He's just turned forty.
informalÉl acaba de cumplir cuarenta.
The study included forty participants.
academicEl estudio incluyó a cuarenta participantes.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
forty winks
una siesta corta
life begins at forty
la vida empieza a los cuarenta
Often Confused With
Four is the base digit (4), while forty is the multiple (40). Note the spelling difference: four has a 'u', but forty does not.
Fourteen is 14. Like four, it retains the 'u' in its spelling, unlike the word forty.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Forty is used in all registers, from casual conversation to formal academic writing. There are no special social restrictions on its use. Always ensure you spell it without the 'u' in formal writing to avoid appearing unprofessional.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent error is writing 'fourty' instead of 'forty'. This stems from the user incorrectly assuming the root 'four' must keep its spelling. Remember that the 'u' is dropped entirely in this specific number.
Tips
Remember the missing U in forty
Think of the word 'forty' as a 'four' that lost its 'u'. This simple visualization helps prevent the most common spelling error.
Avoid common spelling mistakes
Many people incorrectly write 'fourty' because of the relationship to 'four'. Always double-check your writing for this specific exception.
Historical and religious significance
The number forty appears frequently in various religious texts and literature as a symbolic number representing a period of testing or waiting.
Word Origin
The word comes from the Old English 'feowertig', which is a compound of 'feower' (four) and 'tig' (a group of ten). Over time, the spelling evolved into the modern 'forty', losing the 'u' through phonetic simplification.
Cultural Context
The number forty is often used in Western culture to denote a significant passage of time or a period of trial. It frequently appears in literature and religious texts to signify a complete or sufficient period of time.
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'Forty is not Four-ty'. If you see a 'u', you have made a mistake!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsThe correct spelling is 'forty'. The letter 'u' is removed when moving from 'four' to 'forty'.
You use it just like any other number. For example, 'I have forty dollars' or 'The bus arrives in forty minutes'.
When referring to the decade, we say 'the forties'. This refers to the years between 40 and 49.
It is a neutral, standard English word used in all registers of communication.
Test Yourself
There are ___ students in my English class.
Forty is the correct spelling; it does not contain the letter u.
Which number comes after thirty-nine?
Forty is the integer that follows thirty-nine.
is / forty / old / he / years
This follows the standard subject-verb-adjective structure for age.
Score: /3
Summary
Remember that forty is spelled without a 'u', unlike four or fourteen.
- Forty is the number equal to four multiplied by ten.
- It is written as 'forty', not 'fourty'.
- It is used to describe quantities, ages, or measurements.
Remember the missing U in forty
Think of the word 'forty' as a 'four' that lost its 'u'. This simple visualization helps prevent the most common spelling error.
Avoid common spelling mistakes
Many people incorrectly write 'fourty' because of the relationship to 'four'. Always double-check your writing for this specific exception.
Historical and religious significance
The number forty appears frequently in various religious texts and literature as a symbolic number representing a period of testing or waiting.
Examples
4 of 4I have been waiting for forty minutes.
He esperado por cuarenta minutos.
The company employs forty staff members.
La empresa emplea a cuarenta miembros del personal.
He's just turned forty.
Él acaba de cumplir cuarenta.
The study included forty participants.
El estudio incluyó a cuarenta participantes.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
about
A1On the subject of; concerning something.
above
A2In a higher place than something or someone.
accident
A2An unfortunate event causing damage or injury.
action
A2The process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
after
A2Following in time or place; later than.
afterward
A2At a later or subsequent time.
again
A2Another time; once more.
aged
B1Of a specified age.
alive
A2Living, not dead.
all
A2The whole quantity or extent of something; every single one.
