Very often, using numerals in everyday speech, we don’t even think about the fact that not all of them are the same, and even different categories of nouns exist. For example, who can answer the question, what distinguishes the numeral "one" from the "first"? And "ten" from "thirty"? And can the word “both” be attributed to the numerals? If you are at a loss with the answer to these questions, then this article is for you. In it we will analyze the digits of the names of the numerals and find out how they differ.
And also analyze various examples.
Digits
First of all, they can differ in meaning, therefore, different numbers are used in different situations. Usually, four digits of numerals are distinguished by value. The first two are quantitative and ordinal. These are precisely the numerals that we encounter literally every day. The third category is fractional. And the last one is collective, which are also quite often found in everyday communication.
One can also find another classification, in which there are much fewer categories, since some scholars consider fractional numerals as quantitative, and ordinal ones completely attach to adjectives. But this article will build on the first option, where four categories stand out.
In addition, some may have noticed that numerals may vary in spelling. Some can be written in one word, others in two, three or more. Therefore, the following digits are also distinguished: simple, complex, and compound.
To understand what each of these categories represents, we will consider them in order and analyze the features of use.
The category of quantitative numbers
They are used when it is necessary to indicate how many objects are located somewhere, that is, to name their number.
For example: one table, ten notebooks, three kilograms, five plates, etc. Or when it’s just about some integers: one, five, ten, thirty plus five, etc.
Ordinals
This category of numerals in Russian is used when you need to specify the order of arrangement of some items: the first notebook, the third plate on the left, the fourth book, etc. Also, ordinal numbers are used when any calendar dates are called: the first of May, thirty December 1st, etc.
From these examples it becomes clear why some linguists rank ordinal numbers as adjectives. They have very similar properties, they even lean the same way. Compare the noun "first" and the adjective "beautiful." If you have difficulties with declension of ordinal numbers, you can focus on the principle of declension of adjectives.
Fractional numbers
If the category of quantitative points to an integer, then fractional numerals indicate a fractional value. Examples: one second, three fourths, five eighths, etc. These numerals are used when it is not a whole thing, but only a part of it.
The formula for fractional numerals can be represented as follows: quantitative numeral plus ordinal. Indeed, the first word in the fraction is quantitative, and the second is ordinal. Example: five (how many?) Tenths (which?).
It is also necessary to remember that the numerals "one and a half" and "one and a half hundred" have only two case forms. In the nominative and accusative cases they look like this: one and a half, one and a half hundred. In all other cases these words will look like this: one and a half, one and a half hundred.
Collective numbers
Often, many do not perceive this category as numerals. But, nevertheless, he refers to them. In everyday communication and not only we very often use such words as “both”, “two”, “three”, etc. - up to “ten”. All these words are collective numerals.
Features of the use of collective numbers
Some may find it difficult to determine which parts of speech to use collective numbers. It’s best to just learn and remember these rules so you don’t doubt later:
- First, collective numerals are used with masculine and generic nouns if they are males: five students, three on duty.
- Secondly, this category of numerals is used together with the words “children” or “guys”: five children, three children.
You can also combine them with the names of the cubs of animals: both kittens, three puppies.
With paired nouns, that is, with those that have only the plural form, collective numerals are also used: two boots.
And finally, with personal pronouns. Perhaps this is the most common case. Examples: we are five / three / two / six.
Simple numbers
And now we will analyze the category of numerals, which is distinguished by structure. Quantitative and ordinal numbers can be simple. If the word has only one root, then it is simple. Examples: one, two, ten, twenty, twelve, first, second, etc.
Complex Numerals
The word denoting a complex numeral will contain two roots. Examples: sixty, eighty, ninety, seven hundred, nine hundred, etc. Both quantitative and ordinal numbers can also be complex.
Compound numbers
In this case, the numeral will consist of two or more words. Examples: twenty-five, thirty-one, one hundred forty-two, etc. Compound, again, can be both quantitative and ordinal numbers.
Table
To make it easier to present this classification, the digits in the table are listed below. Examples have been given above.
| Discharge name | Simple | Difficult | Compound | Questions |
| Cardinal numbers | One syllable word | One word from two syllables | Two or more words | How many? |
| Ordinals | One syllable word | One word from two syllables | Two or more words | Which one (s)? |
| Fractional numbers | - // - | - // - | - // - | How many? |
| Collective | - // - | - // - | - // - | How many? |
To learn how the digits of the numbers in the table, and not in the list, are sometimes somewhat easier, because the data are presented more clearly and systematized.
Methods for determining the discharge
How to determine the rank of a numeral? First of all, it is necessary to analyze the situation in which it is used. If it is simply called the number of objects, then quantitative numerals are used, if they talk about the order of words, then ordinals, etc.
Also, to distinguish a quantitative from an ordinal, you can ask a question to him. If it answers the same question as the adjective, then it will be an ordinal number. If the answer to the question is “how much?”, Then this is either a quantitative, or fractional, or collective numeral. In this case, you need to look in what sense it is used.
Compare the two sentences:
- On the table are two notebooks. In this case, the numeral “two” indicates the number of objects and answers the question “how much?”, Therefore, it refers to quantitative.
- The first notebook is mine, and the second is forgotten by a friend. What notebook? First one. The numeral “second” also answers the question “what?” and has the properties of an adjective, therefore, these are ordinal numbers.
If we are talking about a part of the subject, then most likely a fractional numeral will be used. And if it is said about a certain number of people or about some objects as a single whole, then most likely it will be collective numerals.
Compare:
- Can I have a kilo of apples, please? In this case, the word "one and a half" answers the question "how much?" and indicates that you need a kilogram and some other part of it, therefore, it is a fractional numeral.
- Both of my friends have already arrived. How many girlfriends? Both. But in this case, the numeral “both” as it were combines the word “girlfriends” into a single whole.
What difficulties can be?
It would seem that with the numerals everything is clear. There are several categories, and each is used in different situations. However, it is not so simple. The main difficulty lies in the declension of quantitative numerals, especially compound ones, because each word must be declined in them. In the declension of ordinal numbers, everything is much simpler, they change as adjectives, and in compound ordinal numbers only the last word changes.
Therefore, to confidently use this part of speech, it is also worth carefully studying the features of the decline of quantitative numbers.