Style clarification for date superscripts, th, st and nd

Question

I wanted to know, while writing dates such as 1st April or 2nd March; do we need to superscript the st and the nd as 1st April and 2nd March, or is it ok to write them without the superscript formatting. When to use superscript for dates and when not to use it?

I couldn't find any guidance regarding this in my style manual. Any guidance on this as per the Chicago or the Oxford Manual will be very helpful.

Thank you.

Tin Man · Answer

The Chicago Manual of Style 2017 says in section 9.6:

The letters in ordinal numbers should not appear as superscripts (e.g., 122nd, not 122nd).

According to Wikipedia, Bluebook and style guides by the Council of Science Editors, Microsoft, and Yahoo recommend the same.

Patrick Owens · Answer

The Chicago Manual of Style (15th edition) is quite clear in section 9.35: "The day of the month. When specific dates are expressed, cardinal numbers are used, although they may be pronounced as ordinals."

Style clarification for date superscripts, th, st and nd

2 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question