Fourth or Forth: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: Fourth is the ordinal number that comes after third in a sequence, whereas forth indicates moving forward or onward. People often confuse these words because they sound identical but have entirely different meanings and uses. Using the correct term ensures your writing remains clear and accurate for any audience reading your text today.
The Short Answer
Fourth is the ordinal number that comes after third in a sequence, while forth means moving forward or onward as in the phrase back and forth.
People confuse these words because they sound exactly the same, yet they serve completely different roles in language. Mixing them up can change the meaning of a sentence from counting positions to describing direction.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth | Ordinal Number | You need it to count items in a specific order. |
| Forth | Adverb | You need it to describe moving toward the front. |
| Forth | Noun | You use it as part of the phrase back and forth. |
| Forth | Adverb | You use it in expressions like come forth or go forth. |
Correct Example Sentences
- She was the fourth person to arrive at the meeting.
- The ship sailed forth into the open ocean.
- Please come forth and show your identification card.
- We must move forth with caution during the storm.
- This is the fourth time you have missed your deadline.
- The runner ran forth toward the finish line.
- They went back and forth for hours arguing.
- The fourth chapter ends with a major cliffhanger.
- Go forth and spread the good news to everyone.
- The fourth prize was awarded to the winning team.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- She was the forth place in the competition.
- She was the fourth place in the competition.
- The letter was sent forth yesterday morning.
- The letter was sent forth yesterday morning.
- This is my fourth try at the puzzle.
- This is my fourth try at the puzzle.
- He walked forth into the dark forest.
- He walked forth into the dark forest.
- We played back and fourth all night long.
- We played back and forth all night long.
- The fourth wheel makes the car go faster.
- The fourth wheel makes the car go faster.
A Quick Test You Can Use
Ask yourself whether you are counting a position in a list or describing movement and direction to determine which word belongs in your sentence.
Related Word Pairs
- Their vs There
- Use their for possession and there for a place.
- Your vs You re
- Use your for possession and you re as a typo for you are.
- Its vs It s
- Use its for possession without an apostrophe and it s for it is.
- Effect vs Affect
- Use effect as a noun and affect as a verb.
- Peace vs Piece
- Use peace for calmness and piece for a part of something.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between fourth and forth?
Fourth is used when counting items in an order like first or second. Forth is an adverb meaning moving forward or onward, often seen in phrases like back and forth.
Can I use forth instead of fourth?
No, you cannot use forth instead of fourth when counting positions. Using the wrong word changes the meaning and makes your sentence grammatically incorrect.
When should I use forth in a sentence?
Use forth when describing movement toward the front or as part of the phrase back and forth to indicate going back and coming forward.
Is forth ever used as a noun?
Yes, forth can be used as a noun in the specific phrase back and forth, though it is more commonly known as an adverb describing direction.
