Avoid ordinal numbers in dates (EK00045)
Cardinal numbers keep dates short and consistent. Write January 1 rather than January first so documentation dates read predictably.
Writing a cardinal number next to a month name — January 1 rather than January first — keeps dates consistent and easy to scan. EkLine flags an ordinal word used next to a month name in a date (rule EK00045) and suggests a cardinal number instead.
Why use cardinal numbers in dates?
Section titled “Why use cardinal numbers in dates?”Dates are reference points that readers scan for quickly, so a consistent format matters. Cardinal numbers (“January 1”) are shorter and match the numeric style most documentation and interfaces use, while ordinal words (“January first”) add length without adding meaning. A single date convention also translates and sorts more predictably.
What EkLine flags
Section titled “What EkLine flags”EK00045 detects an ordinal word (such as “first”, “second”, or “third”) that follows or precedes a month name.
- ❌ Incorrect: The release ships on January first.
- ✅ Correct: The release ships on January 1.
- ❌ Incorrect: Renewals run on the March third of each year.
- ✅ Correct: Renewals run on March 3 of each year.
How to fix
Section titled “How to fix”Replace the ordinal word with a cardinal number next to the month name.
Should you write “January 1” or “January first”?
Section titled “Should you write “January 1” or “January first”?”Use the cardinal number, “January 1”. It is shorter, matches the numeric style most documentation and interfaces use, and sorts and translates more predictably.
Does this rule apply to ordinals outside of dates?
Section titled “Does this rule apply to ordinals outside of dates?”No. It targets ordinals next to a month name. To spell out ordinals in other contexts, see EK00029.
Rule details
Section titled “Rule details”| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rule ID | EK00045 |
| Category | Sentences and phrases |
| Default severity | Error |
| Enabled by default | Yes |
Ignore this rule
Section titled “Ignore this rule”To keep an ordinal date on one line, add an inline comment with a reason:
<!-- ekline-ignore-next-line EK00045 -- quoted from the contract -->The term begins on the January first following signing.To disable the rule across your project, add it to the ignore list in your configuration file.