When writing the number eight in word form, it is important to follow standard English spelling conventions. The correct spelling is “eighth,” with no apostrophe. This applies whether you are writing out a date, such as “March eighth,” or referring to a fractional or ordinal number, such as “one eighth” or “the eighth inning.”
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about writing “eighth”:
- Q: Is it eighth or 8th?
- A: Eighth is the written word form. 8th is the numeric form.
- Q: Do you use an apostrophe?
- A: No, there is no apostrophe in “eighth.”
- Q: How do you spell it out a date?
- A: For example: March eighth, May eighth, August eighth.
Using Eighth in Dates
One of the most common uses of “eighth” is when writing out dates. For any date that falls on the 8th day of a month, the correct format is to write the name of the month followed by “eighth.” For example:
- January eighth
- February eighth
- March eighth
- April eighth
- May eighth
- June eighth
- July eighth
- August eighth
- September eighth
- October eighth
- November eighth
- December eighth
You would not use any abbreviations when writing the month. For example, it would be incorrect to write “Mar. 8th” – instead, the proper format is “March eighth.”
Examples of Eighth in Dates
Here are some examples of dates written properly with “eighth”:
- Her birthday is on August eighth this year.
- The meeting is scheduled for September eighth.
- The election will be held on November eighth.
- We are getting married on June eighth.
Using Eighth as a Numerical Fraction
“Eighth” is also used when spelling out fractional numbers. For a fraction with a numerator of 1 and a denominator of 8, the fraction is spelled out as “one eighth.” Some examples:
- The recipe calls for one eighth cup of oil.
- Only one eighth of the students passed the exam.
- I ran one eighth of a mile today.
The fraction can also be written with the number first, followed by “eighths.” For instance:
- 2 eighths
- 3 eighths
- 4 eighths
Table of Common Eighth Fractions
| Fraction | Spelled Out |
|---|---|
| 1/8 | One eighth |
| 2/8 | Two eighths |
| 3/8 | Three eighths |
| 4/8 | Four eighths |
| 5/8 | Five eighths |
| 6/8 | Six eighths |
| 7/8 | Seven eighths |
Using Eighth as an Ordinal Number
“Eighth” is also properly used as an ordinal number, meaning to show position or order. Some examples:
- My daughter finished eighth in her school spelling bee.
- The eighth runner crossed the finish line.
- This is the eighth level of the video game.
It is common to use “eighth” when referencing positions in sports and competitions. For example:
- The team was seeded eighth going into the tournament.
- She came in eighth place in the race.
- The eighth inning had a dramatic finish.
Table of Ordinal Numbers
| Ordinal Number | Spelled Out |
|---|---|
| 1st | First |
| 2nd | Second |
| 3rd | Third |
| 4th | Fourth |
| 5th | Fifth |
| 6th | Sixth |
| 7th | Seventh |
| 8th | Eighth |
| 9th | Ninth |
| 10th | Tenth |
Summary
In summary, “eighth” is the correct spelling when writing out the number 8. Key things to remember:
- No apostrophe in “eighth”
- Use for dates like “August eighth”
- Use for fractions like “one eighth”
- Use as an ordinal like “finished eighth”
Following standard spelling rules and examples will help you always write “eighth” properly. With practice, it will become second nature when writing out the number in sentences or for formal documents and publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce eighth?
Eighth is pronounced “ayt-th.” The first syllable rhymes with “ate” and the second syllable sounds like “the.”
Is eighth an adjective?
Eighth can function as an adjective when it modifies a noun, such as “eighth inning” or “eighth graders.” But it is more commonly used as a noun or ordinal number.
Is 8th and eighth interchangeable?
No, eighth and 8th are not interchangeable. Eighth is the written word form, while 8th is the numeric form. In formal writing, you should spell out “eighth” rather than using the numeric 8th.
How do you use eighth in a sentence?
Here are some examples of eighth used in a sentence correctly:
- The race ends at the eighth mile marker.
- For his birthday, he received one eighth of the cake.
- My daughter’s basketball team came in eighth place.
Can eighth be used for other things besides numbers?
Eighth is primarily used for writing numbers. However, it can also describe fractions of some non-numeric quantities. For example, “she drank one eighth of the bottle” or “one eighth of the group raised their hands.”
Conclusion
Writing numbers properly is an important part of formal writing. Using “eighth” rather than “8th” ensures numbers are spelled out according to standard rules. With the help of examples and practice, consistently using the correct spelling of “eighth” will become second nature.