'Third' specifies the ordinal position immediately following the second item in any ordered sequence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates the position after second.
- Used for order, rank, and fractions.
- Common in everyday and formal English.
Overview
The word 'third' is an ordinal number, representing the position of an item in a series. It specifically denotes the item that comes after the second item and before the fourth. As a determiner, it is often used before a noun to specify which item in a sequence is being referred to.
It is commonly used to count items in order, such as in days of the week (the third day is Tuesday), months of the year (the third month is March), or simply in a list of objects or people. It can also be used to indicate a fraction (one-third) or a rank in a competition or hierarchy.
You'll encounter 'third' in everyday conversations about order and sequence. For example, 'This is my third cup of coffee today.' It's also used in more formal settings like historical accounts ('the third chapter of the book') or when discussing rankings ('She finished in third place'). In academic contexts, it might appear when referring to specific points in an argument or stages in a process.
The primary related word is 'three', which is the cardinal number. 'Three' counts quantity, while 'third' indicates position. For example, 'I have three apples' (quantity) versus 'This is the third apple I've eaten' (position). Other ordinal numbers like 'first' and 'second' function similarly to 'third' but represent different positions in a sequence.
Examples
This is my third time visiting London.
everydayEsta es mi tercera vez visitando Londres.
The third chapter of the novel deals with the protagonist's childhood.
academicEl tercer capítulo de la novela trata sobre la infancia del protagonista.
He finished third in the race.
sportsTerminó tercero en la carrera.
March 3rd is my birthday.
everydayEl 3 de marzo es mi cumpleaños.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
third time lucky
a la tercera va la vencida
third degree
tercer grado
third world
tercer mundo
Often Confused With
'Three' is a cardinal number used for counting quantity (e.g., 'three dogs'). 'Third' is an ordinal number used for position in a sequence (e.g., 'the third dog').
'Thirty' is the cardinal number representing the quantity of 30. 'Third' refers to the position number 3 in a sequence.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
As a determiner, 'third' usually precedes a noun, often with the definite article 'the' ('the third day'). It can also function as a pronoun when the noun is understood ('He finished third'). It is a fundamental ordinal number used across various registers.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'third' (position) with 'three' (quantity). Ensure you use 'third' when indicating order or rank, and 'three' when stating how many items there are.
Tips
Remember the order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Think of 'first', 'second', and 'third' as steps in a sequence. 'Third' is the step after 'second'.
Don't confuse with 'three'
Remember that 'three' is about quantity, while 'third' is about position. Using the wrong one can change the meaning.
Common ordinal usage
In many cultures, using ordinal numbers like 'third' is standard when discussing rankings, dates, or sequence in daily life.
Word Origin
The word 'third' comes from the Old English 'þridda', which is related to the Proto-Germanic word '*thridja'. It has consistently represented the ordinal number following 'second' throughout the history of the English language.
Cultural Context
Ordinal numbers like 'third' are crucial for understanding sequences, historical events, and social rankings in many cultures. They help structure narratives and establish order.
Memory Tip
Imagine a race: first place, second place, and then the 'third' person gets the bronze medal. It's the position right after second.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'Three' is a cardinal number used for counting (e.g., 'three cats'). 'Third' is an ordinal number used to show position in a series (e.g., 'the third cat').
Yes, 'third' is commonly used for time. For example, 'the third hour of the day' or 'my third birthday'.
It's used to form the denominator of the fraction 1/3, read as 'one-third'.
Often, yes, like 'the third book'. However, it can sometimes stand alone if the noun is understood, such as 'He came third in the race'.
Test Yourself
This is my ___ attempt to bake a cake.
'Third' is the correct ordinal number to indicate the position in a sequence of attempts.
Which sentence is correct?
Sentence B correctly uses 'third' as an ordinal number to indicate position in a line. Sentences A, C, and D use the cardinal number 'three' or misuse it.
Build a sentence using: 'is', 'day', 'today', 'third', 'the', 'March'
This sentence correctly uses 'third' to state the date, indicating the position of the day within the month.
Score: /3
Summary
'Third' specifies the ordinal position immediately following the second item in any ordered sequence.
- Indicates the position after second.
- Used for order, rank, and fractions.
- Common in everyday and formal English.
Remember the order: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Think of 'first', 'second', and 'third' as steps in a sequence. 'Third' is the step after 'second'.
Don't confuse with 'three'
Remember that 'three' is about quantity, while 'third' is about position. Using the wrong one can change the meaning.
Common ordinal usage
In many cultures, using ordinal numbers like 'third' is standard when discussing rankings, dates, or sequence in daily life.
Examples
4 of 4This is my third time visiting London.
Esta es mi tercera vez visitando Londres.
The third chapter of the novel deals with the protagonist's childhood.
El tercer capítulo de la novela trata sobre la infancia del protagonista.
He finished third in the race.
Terminó tercero en la carrera.
March 3rd is my birthday.
El 3 de marzo es mi cumpleaños.
Related Content
See it in Videos
1:51
The Crown - Season 2 (Ep.01) │ Suez Crisis │ Suez Canal Company Falls │ (no english subs)
"This is the third time I've called you."
10:00
Harry Vs. Quirrell | Philosopher's Stone
"This is the third time I've called you."
19:40
All DARTH VADER Scenes OBI WAN KENOBI HD Star Wars
"This is the third time I've called you."
Learn it in Context
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.
