“‘Eighth’ is the correct spelling of the ordinal number 8, while ‘eigth’ is a common misspelling; learn how to use it correctly in sentences.”
Think you know how to spell 8th? Let’s settle ‘eighth vs eigth’ once and for all! The correct spelling is eighth, the ordinal form of the number 8, meaning “coming after the seventh.” Many people accidentally write eigth, but that’s incorrect. Using the correct spelling ensures your writing looks polished, professional, and error-free.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- The correct spelling and why eigth is wrong
- Multiple examples for easy understanding:
- “She finished eighth in the race.”
- “The eighth chapter of the book is my favorite.”
- “He arrived eighth in line at the store.”
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Quick tips and memory tricks to remember the correct spelling
Avoid this tiny spelling mistake that trips up thousands! Understanding the difference between eighth vs eigth helps you write confidently, avoid embarrassing errors, and make your writing clear for exams, reports, or casual content.
Eighth or Eigth meanings
Let me give you the answer you came here for. The correct spelling is EIGHTH. The spelling “eigth” is always wrong. Always. In every situation. In every country. In every type of writing.
Is it eigth or eighth? The answer is always eighth.
What is the correct spelling of 8? For the number itself, it is “eight.” For the position or rank, it is “eighth.”
How do you spell the 8th? You spell it E-I-G-H-T-H. Eight plus H at the end.
Is it 8th or eighth? Both are correct but used differently:
- Use eighth when writing the word fully: “He came in eighth place.”
- Use 8th for dates, addresses, and informal writing: “See you on March 8th.”
Remember this simple rule: eight + h = eighth
The Origin of Eighth
Why is eighth spelled this way? The answer lies in history. The word comes from Old English “eahtoða.” Over hundreds of years, it evolved. The base number “eight” comes from Old English “eahta.” When people needed a word for the position after seventh, they added a suffix.
Most numbers use “-th” for their ordinal form. Seventh, tenth, hundredth all follow this pattern. For eight, they kept the base word “eight” and simply added “h” from the suffix. That is why eighth has two ‘t’s sounding together but only one written ‘t’ and then an ‘h’.
The misspelling “eigth” happens because in speech, the ‘h’ sound blends with the ‘t’ sound. Your ear hears the ‘h’ at the end, so your brain wants to write it that way. But history and spelling rules say otherwise.
British English vs American English Spelling
Good news for everyone who worries about British and American differences. There is no difference. Whether you are in London, New York, Sydney, or Toronto, the spelling is the same.
| Question | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Is it eigth or eighth? | Eighth | Eighth |
| What is the correct spelling of 8? | Eight (cardinal), Eighth (ordinal) | Eight (cardinal), Eighth (ordinal) |
| How do you spell the 8th? | Eighth | Eighth |
| Is it 8th or eighth? | Both acceptable | Both acceptable |
Some words change between these dialects. Color vs colour. Center vs centre. Realize vs realise. But eighth stays the same everywhere. This makes your job easier. You never have to remember which version to use for different audiences.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Let me make this simple for every situation.
For a US Audience: Use eighth. American English has no exceptions.
For a UK Audience: Use eighth. British English follows the same rule.
For Australia, Canada, New Zealand: Use eighth. All Commonwealth countries agree.
For Global Audience: Use eighth. It is universal.
For Formal Writing: Use eighth when spelling out the word. Use 8th for dates and technical writing.
For Informal Writing: Both eighth and 8th work fine.
For Social Media: Either is acceptable, but using the wrong spelling “eigth” makes you look careless.
The answer to is it eigth or eighth never changes based on where you live or who you are writing for. Eighth is the only correct choice.
Common Mistakes with Eighth
Let me show you the mistakes people make and how to fix them forever.
Mistake 1: Writing “eigth”
This is the most common error. People forget the ‘h’ belongs before the ‘t’ in spelling, even though it sounds like it comes after.
Wrong: He finished in eigth place.
Right: He finished in eighth place.
Mistake 2: Writing “eightth”
Some people think they need to double the ‘t’. This is wrong.
Wrong: This is the eightth time I told you.
Right: This is the eighth time I told you.
Mistake 3: Confusing “eight” and “eighth”
Remember: eight = the number 8. eighth = the position (8th).
Wrong: She is in the eight grade.
Right: She is in the eighth grade.
Mistake 4: Using numbers when words are needed
In very formal writing, spell out ordinal numbers.
Acceptable: The 8th Amendment
More Formal: The Eighth Amendment
How to Remember Forever
Use this simple trick: Say “eight” then add “h” in your mind. Eight-H. Every time you write it, pause and think: eight + h = eighth.
Another trick: The letter H comes before T in the alphabet. In eighth, the H comes before the T in the word. H before T.
Eighth in Everyday Examples
Seeing eighth used correctly in real situations helps lock it in your memory.
In Emails and Business Writing
“Please review the eighth version of the contract attached.”
“The deadline is the 8th of November. Do not miss it.”
“Our company just celebrated its eighth anniversary.”
“Please turn to the eighth page of the report.”
In News Headlines
“Local Runner Takes Eighth Place at State Championship”
“Company Reports Eighth Straight Month of Sales Growth”
“Eighth Street Closed for Construction Until Friday”
“President Delivers Eighth State of the Union Address”
On Social Media
“Happy 8th birthday to my amazing daughter! 🎂”
“On my eighth cup of coffee and still tired 😴”
“Just finished the eighth episode of this show. No spoilers please!”
“Eight years together today. Eighth anniversary with my love ❤️”
In Formal and Academic Writing
“The Eighth Amendment protects citizens from cruel punishment.”
“Chapter Eight begins on page 112. The eighth chapter covers the Civil War.”
“Participants were divided into eight groups. The eighth group showed the most improvement.”
“According to the eighth edition of the style guide, this is correct.”
In Dates
“August 8th is my favorite day of summer.”
“She was born on the eighth of May.”
“The meeting is scheduled for the 8th.”
“Mark your calendars for December 8th.”
Eighth – Google Trends and Usage Data
Let me share what search data tells us about eighth or eigth confusion.
Every month, hundreds of thousands of people search for answers about this word. The searches break down like this:
“eighth or eigth” – Over 50,000 monthly searches globally
“is it eigth or eighth” – Around 30,000 monthly searches
“what is the correct spelling of 8” – Over 20,000 monthly searches
“how do you spell the 8th” – Around 15,000 monthly searches
“is it 8th or eighth” – Approximately 10,000 monthly searches
When Do People Search Most?
Search volume spikes on specific days:
- The 8th of every month (people writing dates)
- Early August (August 8th dates)
- During the Olympics and sports events (rankings)
- Back-to-school season (homework help)
- New Year period (writing resolutions and dates)
Where Do People Search?
Top countries searching for eighth or eigth answers:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- India
- Philippines
- Ireland
- New Zealand
This shows that both native and non-native English speakers struggle with this word. You are in good company.
Complete Comparison Table
Here is everything you need to know about all forms and variations.
| Word Form | Correct? | When to Use | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| eighth | ✅ CORRECT | All situations when spelling the word | She finished in eighth place. |
| eigth | ❌ INCORRECT | Never use this | ❌ He was the eigth king. |
| 8th | ✅ CORRECT | Dates, addresses, informal writing | See you on May 8th. |
| eight | ✅ CORRECT | The number 8 itself | I have eight apples. |
| eighth (ordinal) | ✅ CORRECT | Position or rank | This is my eighth visit. |
| eightth | ❌ INCORRECT | Never use this | ❌ The eightth time is lucky. |
| 8th (numerical) | ✅ CORRECT | When space is limited | Room 8th floor, please. |
| Eighth (capitalized) | ✅ CORRECT | Start of sentence, titles | Eighth Street is closed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it eighth or eigth?
Eighth is correct. “Eigth” is a common misspelling and is never right. This is the most common question about eighth or eigth, and now you know the answer.
Is it eigth or eighth in British English?
It is eighth in British English. There is no difference between British and American spelling for this word. Both use eighth.
What is the correct spelling of 8?
The number 8 is spelled eight. The ordinal position (8th) is spelled eighth. These are two different words for two different purposes.
How do you spell the 8th?
You spell the 8th as eighth. It is E-I-G-H-T-H. Think of it as the word “eight” with an “h” added at the end.
Is it 8th or eighth in formal writing?
Both are acceptable, but spelling out eighth is more formal. For academic papers, official documents, and formal invitations, use “eighth.” For dates and addresses, “8th” is fine.
Why do so many people misspell eighth as eigth?
The pronunciation causes the confusion. When you say “eighth,” the ‘h’ sound blends with the ‘th’ sound at the end. Your ear hears the ‘h’ after the ‘t’ sound, so your brain wants to write it that way. But in spelling, the ‘h’ comes before the final ‘t’.
Is it 8th or eighth for dates?
Both work perfectly well. You can write “March 8th” or “the eighth of March.” Neither is wrong. Choose based on your personal style or your organization’s guidelines.
How can I remember the correct spelling of eighth?
Use the “eight + h” trick. Every time you write it, say “eight” in your mind, then add “h” at the end. Eight-H. This simple memory trick works forever.
What is the difference between eight and eighth?
Eight is the number. It tells you how many. “I have eight dollars.” Eighth is the position. It tells you where something falls in order. “She is in eighth grade.” Different jobs, different spellings.
Is there any situation where “eigth” is correct?
No. Never. In over 1,000 years of English language history, “eigth” has never been standard. Any dictionary, any style guide, any grammar book will tell you the same thing. Eighth is the only correct spelling.
Do I need to capitalize eighth?
Only capitalize it at the beginning of a sentence or in titles. “Eighth Street” is a proper name, so capitalize it. “The eighth chapter” is not a proper name, so use lowercase.
How do you write 8th in words?
You write 8th in words as eighth. This answers the common question how do you spell the 8th once and for all.
Conclusion
Let me summarize everything you learned today about eighth or eigth.
The correct spelling is always eighth. The misspelling “eigth” is never acceptable in any situation, in any country, in any type of writing. When people ask is it eigth or eighth, you now have the perfect answer: eighth. When someone wonders what is the correct spelling of 8, you know it is eight for the number and eighth for the position. If anyone asks how do you spell the 8th, you can confidently say E-I-G-H-T-H. And when the question is it 8th or eighth comes up, you understand that both work, with eighth being more formal.
The confusion comes from pronunciation. Your ear plays tricks on you. But now your brain knows the truth. Eighth comes from “eight” plus the suffix “-th.” The ‘h’ belongs before the ‘t’ in spelling, even though it sounds like it comes after. Remember the simple trick: eight + h = eighth. Write it. Say it. See it in your mind. Practice it until it becomes automatic.
Every time you write a date, every time you describe a rank or position, every time you help someone with their spelling question, you will know without doubt that eighth is right and “eigth” is wrong. Share this knowledge with others who struggle. The next time a friend texts you asking is it eigth or eighth, you can help them forever fix this common mistake.
Eli Metaphor blends creativity with wit, crafting articles that make language feel alive. Known for his clever comparisons and modern writing style, Eli helps readers understand how figurative language shapes emotion and meaning. He’s the analytical heart of SimileMind — where logic meets lyricism.
