Have you ever stopped mid-sentence wondering if it’s “fourth” or “forth”? You’re not alone.
This is one of the most common word confusions in English. Both look similar and sound almost identical, but their meanings are completely different.
Many students, professionals, and even native speakers mix them up while writing emails, essays, or social posts.
People usually search for “fourth or forth” when they want to make sure they’re using the right one in a sentence like “Go forth and succeed” or “This is the fourth attempt.”
The confusion happens because both words come from Old English roots and have evolved over time with different meanings.
This guide clears up the confusion once and for all — with quick answers, simple examples, and clear rules.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use fourth and when to use forth, every single time.
Fourth or Forth – Quick Answer
Quick Answer:
✅ “Fourth” = The number 4th in a sequence.
✅ “Forth” = Means forward or ahead in direction or progress.
Examples:
- “She finished in fourth place.” ✅ (Number position)
- “Step forth and speak your truth.” ✅ (Movement forward)
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth | Ordinal number (4th) | “Today is the fourth day of school.” |
| Forth | Moving forward | “The leader went forth to guide the team.” |
The Origin of “Fourth” or “Forth”
Both words trace back to Old English, but with different roots and purposes.
- “Fourth” comes from the Old English feorða, which literally means “the one after the third.” It’s purely numerical — like first, second, third, fourth.
- “Forth” comes from the Old English forð, meaning “forward” or “ahead.” It relates to movement, progress, or continuation.
The confusion arises because, over centuries, pronunciation blurred the difference. Both are pronounced almost the same, but context reveals their role — one counts, the other moves.
British English vs American English Spelling
Interestingly, both “fourth” and “forth” are spelled exactly the same in British and American English. There is no spelling difference between the two regions. The only variation lies in usage frequency and context.
For example:
- In the UK, “Go forth” often appears in historical or formal writing.
- In the US, “Fourth of July” is a famous phrase used in everyday language.
| English Type | Example of “Fourth” | Example of “Forth” |
|---|---|---|
| British English | “He came in fourth during the race.” | “The king sent them forth to battle.” |
| American English | “The Fourth of July is Independence Day.” | “The company moved forth with the new plan.” |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use “fourth” when you’re referring to numbers or order, and “forth” when you’re talking about movement or progress.
- If you’re writing for American audiences, use both as normal — “Fourth of July” and “Go forth.”
- If you’re writing for British or Commonwealth readers, usage is identical, but “forth” may sound slightly more formal or poetic.
- For global writing, just remember:
→ “Fourth” = number (4th)
→ “Forth” = direction (forward)
Simple, clear, and universal.
Common Mistakes with “Fourth” or “Forth”
Many English learners make these mistakes:
| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “She came forth in the race.” ❌ | “She came fourth in the race.” ✅ | Use “fourth” for ranking. |
| “They will move fourth with the plan.” ❌ | “They will move forth with the plan.” ✅ | Use “forth” for progress. |
| “Go fourth and explore.” ❌ | “Go forth and explore.” ✅ | “Forth” = forward movement. |
Tip: If you can replace the word with “4th”, use fourth. If you can replace it with “forward”, use forth.
“Fourth” or “Forth” in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- “Please send the fourth draft by Friday.” ✅
- “We will move forth with the proposal.” ✅
News Headlines:
- “The team ranked fourth in the championship.”
- “Government pushes forth new economic reforms.”
Social Media Posts:
- “Happy Fourth of July!” 🇺🇸
- “Go forth and conquer your dreams!” 🌟
Formal Writing:
- “This marks the fourth edition of our annual report.”
- “The leader went forth to address the nation.”
Both words are widely used, but never interchangeably.
“Fourth” or “Forth” – Google Trends & Usage Data
According to Google Trends, “fourth” is searched far more often than “forth”, mainly because of phrases like “Fourth of July” and ordinal numbering in schools and events.
Top countries for “fourth” searches: United States, Canada, Philippines.
Top countries for “forth” searches: United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa.
| Keyword | Average Global Search Interest | Common Context |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth | Higher | Dates, rankings, positions |
| Forth | Moderate | Formal speech, religious or literary texts |
The trend shows that “fourth” dominates everyday English, while “forth” remains common in classic and formal contexts.
FAQs about “Fourth” or “Forth”
1. Is “forth” ever used to mean “fourth”?
No. They sound similar but mean different things. “Forth” never represents a number.
2. Can I say “go fourth”?
No. The correct phrase is “go forth,” meaning to move forward or advance.
3. What’s the difference between “come forth” and “come fourth”?
“Come forth” = appear or emerge. “Come fourth” = finish in fourth place.
4. Is “forth” old-fashioned?
It’s less common today but still used in formal writing, religious texts, and motivational speech.
5. What’s the opposite of “forth”?
The opposite would be “back” or “behind.”
6. How can I remember the difference?
If it’s about numbers, use fourth.
If it’s about movement, use forth.
7. Is “Fourth of July” ever written as “Forth of July”?
Never. That would be incorrect. Always “Fourth of July.”
Conclusion
“Fourth” and “forth” might sound the same, but their meanings couldn’t be more different. “Fourth” belongs to numbers — it’s the 4th in line. “Forth” points to direction — moving forward.
Understanding their roots helps you use them correctly in any situation. Whether you’re writing an essay, email, or tweet, just ask yourself: “Is it about a number or movement?” That quick check keeps your grammar perfect every time.
So go forth and use fourth correctly — your writing will thank you.
