‘April 1st’ or ‘April 1th’: Which is Correct?

Are you wondering whether 'April 1st' or 'April 1th' is correct? This guide will help.

Here is a short overview, in case you are in a hurry: 

• 'April 1st' is always correct. 
• 'April 1th' is a grammatical error. 

If you want to learn more about why 'April 1st' is correct and how to work with other ordinals, finish reading this guide!

Which is Correct 'April 1st' or 'April 1th?'

As I mentioned above, 'April 1st' is always the correct way to say the first day of April. 'April 1th' is a grammatical error and you should never use it.

The term first is abbreviated by using the number 1 and adding the suffix st because the word first ends with st. Other ordinals follow the same rule.

Numbers are categorized as either cardinal or ordinal. Ordinal numbers are those that are in a series or part of a numbered group. Adding the suffix shows readers that the number is an ordinal instead of a cardinal or a number standing alone.

When and How to Use 'April 1st' and Other Ordinals

Knowing when and how to use ordinals like 'April 1st' can be tricky, even when you know the correct spelling.

So, here are some tips that will help:

• When you wish someone a Happy Birthday, you use ordinals because the number is one of a series of birthdays.

As an example, I might say:

Happy 21st Birthday! I hope you have an amazing day and don't act too crazy. 

• Use 'April 1st' when you are talking about April Fool's Day.

For example, you could say:

Is today April 1st? Because I feel like someone played a trick on me.

• Use 'April 1st' as an alternative to 'The 1st day of April.'

As an example, you might write:

This was signed before me on April 1st, 2023 by Lydia Leema. 

Definitions for 'April 1st': What Does 'April 1st' Mean?

There isn't a specific definition for 'April 1st,' so we are going to look at the definitions of 'April,' '1st,' and 'ordinals' to get a better idea of what the term means.

Definition of 'April'

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the meaning of 'April' is:

• The fourth month of the calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 and adopted in Great Britain and the United States in 1752

Definition of '1st'

The same defines '1st' as:

• The numeric abbreviation of the word first

It can also be an adjective that means:

• The earliest instance or occurrence of something
• The lowest gear or speed at which a motor can travel forward
• The most prominent voice or instrument in a musical group

'First' or '1st' can also be an adverb that means:

• Before others in importance, order, time, or space
• When used with of all, in the first place
• In preference to others

These terms can also be nouns, which mean:

• Number one in a series of numbered items
• The first position or position number one in a series of positions
• The first occurrence of something
• The first speed or gear of an engine or motor
• The winning position on a leaderboard or in a contest or competition
• First base in baseball

Definition of 'Ordinal'

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'ordinal' as a noun that means:

• An ordinal number
• A book of rites used in an ordination ceremony of a clergy member like a priest

It can also be an adjective that means:

• A series of numbered items
• A specific order in a series
• Of a specific rank in a series
• Relating to or of a taxonomic order

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'April 1st'

While we are looking at the correct way to write 'April 1st' you should also learn the correct way to pronounce the term. Learning pronunciation is vital whether you are learning English as a second language or working on improving your writing and communication skills.

So, here is a guide for pronouncing 'April 1st':

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'April':

ā-prul

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce '1st':

furst

Sample Sentences Using 'April 1st'

Before you go, take a look at these sample sentences using 'April 1st.' They will help you remember the correct spelling and learn additional ways to use the term.

April 1st

• We are going on vacation to Bali on April 1st.
• We have been playing pranks on him all day. Did you know his birthday is April 1st?
• Every year, I forget that April 1st is April Fool's Day until my sister starts pranking me.
• There are always a few joksters that play pranks on the entire office on April 1st.
• You need to register for the event before April 1st. Otherwise, the tickets cost double.
• April 1st is my favorite day of the year. I love to play jokes on other people.
• April 1st is my girlfriend's least favorite day of the year because she knows I am going to play an epic prank on her.
• We are moving into our new office space on April 1st. Will you be able to help?
• If you prank your friends on April 1st, they will likely try to get you back.

Final Review of Which is Correct, 'April 1st' or 'April 1th'

We reviewed a lot of information in this guide. So, here is a recap of what we covered in this post about whether 'April 1st' or 'April 1th' is correct. 

• 'April 1st' is always the only way to abbreviate April first. 
• 'April 1th' should never be used because it is a grammatical error. 

Ordinals can be confusing. So, if you are ever confused about which to use, you can always return to this post to review this lesson.

You can also learn about other ordinals and frequently misused English terms in the confusing words section here. Each guide contains a brief and detailed explanation of the topic with definitions, pronunciations, examples, and usage tips to help you learn exactly how to use the terms.

So, if you have been wondering about the meaning or correct usage of any terms, check them out before you leave.