Spell out ordinal numbers (EK00029)
Spelled-out ordinals like first or third read more naturally than 1st or 3rd in documentation prose. Learn why to write them as words, with fixes.
Spelled-out ordinals like “first” and “third” read more naturally in prose than “1st” and “3rd”, so write them as words. EkLine flags an ordinal written as a numeral with a suffix (rule EK00029).
Why spell out ordinal numbers in documentation?
Section titled “Why spell out ordinal numbers in documentation?”Spelled-out ordinals keep step-by-step instructions readable and match the tone your audience expects in prose. Words like “first” and “third” flow better than “1st” and “3rd”, which can look terse or informal. Consistent ordinals also read cleanly when a screen reader reads your documentation aloud.
What EkLine flags
Section titled “What EkLine flags”EK00029 matches an ordinal written as a numeral followed by a suffix such as “st”, “nd”, “rd”, or “th”.
- ❌ Incorrect: Complete the 1st step before you continue.
- ✅ Correct: Complete the first step before you continue.
- ❌ Incorrect: Select the 3rd option from the menu.
- ✅ Correct: Select the third option from the menu.
How to fix
Section titled “How to fix”Replace the numeral-and-suffix ordinal with its spelled-out word.
When should you spell out an ordinal number?
Section titled “When should you spell out an ordinal number?”Spell out ordinals in prose and step-by-step instructions, writing “first” or “third” rather than “1st” or “3rd”. Very large ordinals, such as “the 100th request”, are clearer as numerals.
What is an ordinal number?
Section titled “What is an ordinal number?”An ordinal number shows position in a sequence, such as first, second, or third. This rule covers ordinals written as a numeral plus a suffix like “st”, “nd”, “rd”, or “th”.
Rule details
Section titled “Rule details”| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rule ID | EK00029 |
| Category | Spelling and grammar |
| Default severity | Error |
| Enabled by default | No |
Ignore this rule
Section titled “Ignore this rule”To keep a numeral ordinal on one line, add an inline comment:
<!-- ekline-ignore-next-line EK00029 -- large ordinal reads better as a numeral -->The limit resets on the 100th request.To disable the rule across your project, add it to the ignore list in your configuration file.