Confused between forth and fourth? You’re not alone and you’re definitely not wrong to pause and wonder. These two words look almost identical, sound very similar, and yet carry completely different meanings.
One tiny letter can change the entire sense of a sentence. That’s why people across the internet keep searching for forth or fourth because using the wrong one can quietly twist your message without you even realizing it.
Think about writing an email, a blog post, or a social media caption. You want your words to sound clear, confident, and professional. But if you mix up forth and fourth, your reader may stumble, reread, or lose trust in your writing.
Meaning of Forth
Forth is an adverb or sometimes a noun that generally means forward, out, or onward in time or space. It does not relate to numbers.
Key Points About Forth
- Shows movement forward or progression.
- Often used in formal or literary English, but also common in everyday writing.
- Synonyms include forward, onward, out, ahead.
Examples of Forth in Sentences
- She stepped forth from the shadows and greeted everyone.
- Ideas began to pour forth during the brainstorming session.
- The explorers set forth on their long journey.
- From that day forth, he promised to never give up.
Notice how forth is about movement, action, or time, not numbers.
Meaning of Fourth
Fourth is an adjective, noun, or ordinal number. It refers to something in position number four in a sequence.
Key Points About Fourth
- Always deals with order, position, or rank.
- Comes after first, second, and third.
- Can be used as an ordinal number or in fractions (1/4).
Examples of Fourth in Sentences
- Today is the fourth of January.
- She finished in fourth place in the race.
- The book is on the fourth shelf from the bottom.
- He added a fourth cup of water to the mixture.
Notice how fourth always involves counting or position.
Forth vs Fourth – Comparison Table
| Feature | Forth | Fourth |
| Part of Speech | Adverb / Noun | Adjective / Noun / Ordinal Number |
| Meaning | Forward, onward, out | Number four in a sequence |
| Usage | Action, movement, time | Position, order, rank |
| Example | They marched forth bravely. | She came fourth in the competition. |
| Synonyms | Forward, onward, out | 4th, quartile, sequence |
This table clearly shows the difference: forth = movement, fourth = number four.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many learners confuse forth and fourth because they sound almost the same. Here are the most common mistakes:
Mistake 1: Using “Fourth” instead of “Forth”
- ❌ She stepped fourth into the room.
- ✅ She stepped forth into the room.
Tip: Ask yourself: Is this about position (use fourth) or movement/progress (use forth)?
Mistake 2: Using “Forth” instead of “Fourth”
- ❌ He finished forth in the race.
- ✅ He finished fourth in the race.
Tip: If you can replace it with “number four” or “4th,” use fourth.
Mistake 3: Misspelling
- ❌ forthe
- ❌ fourthe
- ✅ forth
- ✅ fourth
Spelling Tip: Remember, “fourth” has “four” inside it – it is always related to numbers.
Multiple Examples of Forth vs Fourth
Forth Examples
- The knight rode forth to fight the dragon.
- The new policies will bring progress forth.
- From that moment forth, she never looked back.
- Words of wisdom flowed forth from the speaker.
Fourth Examples
- My birthday is on the fourth of July.
- This is the fourth chapter of the book.
- He placed fourth in the chess tournament.
- She bought a fourth slice of cake.
How to Remember the Difference
Here’s a simple trick to avoid confusion:
- Forth = forward / onward → Think of moving forth.
- Fourth = number 4 → Remember the “four” inside fourth.
Another memory aid:
- “Go forth and explore” (movement/action)
- “She came in fourth place” (number/order)
FAQs About Forth and Fourth
1. Can I use “forth” instead of “fourth” in dates?
No. Forth is not used for numbers or dates. Use fourth:
- ✅ January fourth
- ❌ January forth
2. Is “forth” formal or informal?
It is slightly formal or literary but perfectly fine in modern English.
3. Can “fourth” be used as a noun?
Yes, e.g., “He finished in fourth.” Here, it represents a position.
4. What is the difference in pronunciation?
- Forth → /fɔːrθ/ (rhymes with “north”)
- Fourth → /fɔːrθ/ (very similar, but remember it’s about the number 4)
5. Are there common phrases with “forth”?
Yes:
- Set forth → to begin a journey or action
- Bring forth → to produce or give rise to something
- From that day forth → from that day onward
Extra Tips for Writers
- Double-check if you’re referring to position or movement.
- Avoid using “forth” in casual texts if unsure; it’s often replaced by “forward.”
- Always proofread: using the wrong one can confuse readers.
- Use mnemonic devices: forth = forward, fourth = number 4.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between forth and fourth is easier than it seems. Forth is all about moving forward, progressing, or stepping out, while fourth is about order, rank, or position in a series. By remembering the simple trick forth = forward, fourth = number 4 you can avoid common mistakes and write with clarity.
Using these words correctly enhances both your writing and speaking skills. So next time you write a sentence, ask yourself: “Am I talking about movement or position?” and choose the right word.
