The difference between forth and fourth (grammar lesson)


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Fourth relates to the number four (e.g., fourth place). Forth usually means 'forward' on 'onward'.

Do not confuse 'forth' and 'fourth', which sound identical.

Forth

The word 'forth' (without a u) is an adverb meaning 'forward' or 'onward' (e.g., from this day forth, bring forth, go forth). It can also mean 'come out into view' (e.g., Come forth from the crowd).

Examples:

Put a cherry on top the first cake, then the second, and so forth.

(and so forth = more of the same)

I need to be present at the meeting to put my ideas forth.

(to make the ideas apparent; i.e., to bring them into view (figuratively))

Fourth

The word 'fourth' (with a u) relates to the number four. It can be a noun (e.g., one fourth, i.e., a quarter), an adjective (e.g., the fourth car) or an adverb (e.g., the new driver came fourth).

Select the correct version:

FOUR = FOURTH

The word 'fourth' (with a u) relates to the number four.

FORTH = FORWARD

The word 'forth' shares the same first three letters as 'forward'.

FORTY NOT FOURTY

The word 'forty' (which obviously relates to the number four) is not spelt with a u. (This is a common spelling mistake, particularly in handwritten text.)