Numbers as Determiners: Printable Grammar Worksheet for Class 6
Title: Numbers as Determiners: Grade 6 English Grammar Worksheet on Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
Have you ever wondered whether to say “two book” or “second book”? Both use numbers, but in different ways. In Grade 6, learning about numbers as determiners helps you understand how to use numbers correctly to show quantity and position. Cardinal numbers show quantity. Cardinal numbers tell you “how many.” Ordinal numbers show position or order. Ordinal numbers tell you “which one in a sequence.” “Two” is a cardinal number. “Second” is an ordinal number. “Five” is a cardinal number. “Fifth” is an ordinal number. This Grade 6 English grammar worksheet on numbers as determiners will teach you the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers, how to use them as determiners before nouns, and how to avoid common mistakes.
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What Is the Topic?
The topic of this worksheet is Numbers as Determiners. Numbers can act as determiners – words that come before nouns to give information about them. There are two types of numbers used as determiners: cardinal numbers and ordinal numbers. Cardinal numbers show quantity. Cardinal numbers tell you “how many” of something there are. For example, “two students,” “three books,” “five apples.” “Two” is a cardinal number. “Five” is a cardinal number. Ordinal numbers show position or order. Ordinal numbers tell you “which one” in a sequence. For example, “first place,” “second chapter,” “third prize.” “First” is an ordinal number. “Second” is an ordinal number. “Third” is an ordinal number. “First” and “second” are examples of ordinal numbers. “Second” refers to position, not quantity. Understanding the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers helps you use numbers correctly in your writing and speaking.
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What’s in This Worksheet?
This worksheet contains five different exercises that help students master numbers as determiners. Here is what is included:
1. Exercise No. 1 – Multiple Choice Questions – Students read each sentence and choose the correct number (cardinal or ordinal) to complete the sentence. This exercise tests basic understanding of when to use cardinal numbers (quantity) vs ordinal numbers (position).
2. Exercise No. 2 – Fill in the Blanks – Students read sentences and fill in the blanks with the correct cardinal or ordinal number. This exercise practices applying numbers as determiners in context.
3. Exercise No. 3 – True and False – Students read ten statements about cardinal and ordinal numbers and decide whether each one is true or false. This helps correct common misunderstandings about the difference between quantity and order.
4. Exercise No. 4 – Underline the Words – Students read ten sentences that contain numbers as determiners. Students must underline the number and identify whether it is cardinal or ordinal. This exercise focuses on recognizing both types in context.
5. Exercise No. 5 – Paragraph Writing – Students read a paragraph with blanks and fill in the blanks with the correct cardinal or ordinal numbers. This combines reading comprehension with grammar application.
This worksheet supports exam preparation by covering the distinction between cardinal and ordinal numbers and how to use them correctly as determiners before nouns.
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Definitions, Examples, Techniques, and Tips
Based only on the content of this worksheet, here are the exact definitions and examples students will learn:
Definitions and Rules:
- Cardinal numbers: Cardinal numbers show quantity. Cardinal numbers tell you “how many.” Examples: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc. “Two students are absent today” – “two” is a cardinal number showing quantity. “I bought two apples from the store.” “Four books are on the shelf.” “Three students answered the question correctly.”
- Ordinal numbers: Ordinal numbers show position or order. Ordinal numbers tell you “which one” in a sequence. Examples: first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, etc. “First” and “second” are examples of ordinal numbers. “Second” refers to the position. “He came in second position in the race.” “She won the first prize.” “The fifth question was the most difficult.” “He was the second person to arrive.”
Examples taken directly from the worksheet (Exercise No. 1 – multiple choice):
1. ______ students are absent today.
Correct option: b) Two students
2. ______ player scored the winning goal.
Correct option: b) Second
3. ______ book is on the shelf.
Correct option: a) First
4. ______ lesson was easy to understand.
Correct option: a) First
5. ______ car in the parking lot is mine.
Correct option: a) Second
6. ______ question was difficult to answer.
Correct option: b) First
7. ______ house is on the corner of the street.
Correct option: a) First
8. ______ class was scheduled for 10 AM.
Correct option: a) Second
9. ______ prize goes to the best student.
Correct option: a) First
10. ______ book is yours?
Correct option: a) Which (not a number – “which” is an interrogative determiner)
Examples from Exercise No. 2 – Fill in the blanks (Page 4):
1. He came in the second position in the race.
2. This is the first / second / third time I’ve visited this place. (depends – any ordinal works)
3. Which day of the week is my favorite. (“Which” is an interrogative determiner, not a number)
4. She finished first / second / third in the competition. (ordinal)
5. We are going to first / second / third park tomorrow. (ordinal)
6. He took the first / second / third seat in the classroom. (ordinal)
7. The first / second / third chapter in the book was very interesting. (ordinal)
8. Which book on the table is mine. (“Which” is an interrogative determiner)
9. She was the first / second / third person to arrive at the party. (ordinal)
10. The first / second / third lesson was about fractions. (ordinal)
Key facts from True and False section (Page 5):
- Cardinal numbers show quantity. (True)
- Ordinal numbers show position or order. (True)
- “First” is an example of a cardinal number. (False – “first” is an ordinal number)
- “Second” refers to the quantity of something. (False – “second” refers to position)
- “Five” is an ordinal number. (False – “five” is a cardinal number)
- “Third” indicates the position in a sequence. (True)
- “Many” is a cardinal number. (False – “many” is a quantifier, not a number)
- Ordinal numbers are used to count things. (False – cardinal numbers are used to count; ordinals show order)
- “Tenth” is a cardinal number. (False – “tenth” is an ordinal number)
- “First” and “second” are examples of ordinal numbers. (True)
Examples from Exercise No. 4 – Underline the number and identify (Page 6):
1. She won the first prize.
Underline: first
Type: ordinal
2. I bought two apples from the store.
Underline: two
Type: cardinal
3. He finished in second place in the race.
Underline: second
Type: ordinal
4. Three students answered the question correctly.
Underline: three
Type: cardinal
5. The fifth question was the most difficult.
Underline: fifth
Type: ordinal
6. We have many projects to complete this week. (Not a number – “many” is a quantifier)
No number to underline.
7. First step is to read the instructions.
Underline: First
Type: ordinal
8. They took third place in the competition.
Underline: third
Type: ordinal
9. Four books are on the shelf.
Underline: Four
Type: cardinal
10. He was the second person to arrive.
Underline: second
Type: ordinal
Quick learning tip: Ask yourself: Am I saying “how many” or “which one in order”? If “how many” (quantity), use a cardinal number (one, two, three...). If “which one in order” (position), use an ordinal number (first, second, third...).
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Why Is It Important to Learn This?
Learning about numbers as determiners is important for several reasons. First, cardinal numbers show quantity. You need them to say how many students are absent, how many apples you bought, or how many books are on the shelf. Second, ordinal numbers show position or order. You need them to say who came first, which chapter you are reading, or which prize someone won. Third, “first” is an example of an ordinal number, not a cardinal number. Saying “first students” (when you mean two students) is incorrect. Fourth, “second” refers to position, not quantity. “Second book” is different from “two books.” Fifth, this topic is tested in grammar exams where you may be asked to choose between cardinal and ordinal numbers. Finally, using numbers correctly makes your writing and speaking clear and precise.
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Where Will This Knowledge Help You?
Knowledge of numbers as determiners will help you in many academic and real-life situations:
1. Grammar exams and language tests – Many questions ask you to choose the correct number (cardinal or ordinal). This worksheet directly prepares you for those questions. You will know that “two” is cardinal and “second” is ordinal.
2. Writing essays and reports – When you write, you often need to use numbers. “Three reasons,” “first reason,” “two examples,” “second example.” Using them correctly makes your writing professional.
3. Giving directions and instructions – “Take the second left” (ordinal) is different from “take two lefts” (cardinal). Knowing the difference prevents confusion.
4. Reading and following sequences – Recipes, instructions, and chapters use ordinal numbers. “First step,” “second step,” “third chapter.” Understanding ordinals helps you follow along.
5. Talking about competitions and rankings – “She won first prize,” “He came in third place.” Ordinal numbers are essential for describing positions.
6. Building a strong grammar foundation – Numbers as determiners are basic but essential. Mastering them helps you move toward advanced English skills.
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How to Use This Worksheet?
Follow these steps to get the most out of this Grade 6 English grammar worksheet on numbers as determiners:
1. Attempt independently first – Without looking at any answers, complete all five exercises in order. Start with Exercise No. 1 (Multiple Choice Questions), then Exercise No. 2 (Fill in the Blanks), then Exercise No. 3 (True and False), then Exercise No. 4 (Underline the Words), and finally Exercise No. 5 (Paragraph Writing – fill in the blanks).
2. Review answers carefully – After you finish all exercises, go to the Complete Answer Key section below. Compare your answers one by one. Pay special attention to Exercise No. 4 – make sure you correctly identified cardinal vs ordinal numbers.
3. Correct mistakes – For any answer that is different from the answer key, write the correct answer next to your attempt. Try to understand why you made the mistake. Did you use an ordinal number when you needed a cardinal?
4. Practice regularly – Numbers as determiners take practice. Repeat the worksheet after a few days. For the paragraph writing task (Exercise No. 5), try to fill in the blanks without looking at the answer key first.
The solutions follow the exact worksheet order. Students should compare their answers carefully.
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Important Tips and Tricks
Here are important tips and tricks based directly on this worksheet to help you master numbers as determiners and score full marks:
1. Cardinal = quantity (how many) – Cardinal numbers show quantity. Use them when you want to say how many of something there are. “Two students,” “three books,” “five apples.” “Two” is a cardinal number. “Five” is a cardinal number.
2. Ordinal = position/order (which one) – Ordinal numbers show position or order. Use them when you want to say which one in a sequence. “First place,” “second chapter,” “third prize.” “First” and “second” are examples of ordinal numbers.
3. “First” is NOT cardinal – A common mistake is thinking “first” is a cardinal number. It is not. “First” is an ordinal number. “First” shows position, not quantity. “First” and “second” are examples of ordinal numbers.
4. “Second” does NOT mean quantity – “Second” refers to position, not quantity. “Second book” means the book in position two. “Two books” means the quantity two. Do not confuse them.
5. “Many” is not a number – “Many” is a quantifier, not a cardinal or ordinal number. “Many projects” is correct, but “many” is not a number. Numbers are specific: one, two, three, first, second, third.
6. Ordinal numbers end in “th” (mostly) – Most ordinal numbers end in “th”: fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth. Exceptions: first, second, third. Memorize these exceptions.
7. What examiners expect – Examiners expect you to know the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers. They expect you to use cardinal numbers for quantity and ordinal numbers for position. They expect you to recognize that “first” is ordinal, not cardinal.
8. How to score full marks – When answering multiple-choice questions, decide if the sentence is talking about “how many” (quantity) or “which one” (position). If quantity, choose a cardinal number (one, two, three...). If position, choose an ordinal number (first, second, third...). For true and false, remember that “first” is ordinal, “five” is cardinal, and “many” is not a number.
9. For underlining tasks (Exercise No. 4) – Read each sentence. Find the number. If it is a cardinal number (one, two, three...), write “cardinal.” If it is an ordinal number (first, second, third...), write “ordinal.” If the sentence uses “many,” it is not a number – do not underline it.
10. For paragraph writing (Exercise No. 5) – Read the paragraph slowly. Decide whether each blank needs a cardinal number (quantity) or an ordinal number (position). For counting students, teams, and participants, use cardinal numbers. For positions in a race (“came in ______ place”), use ordinal numbers.
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Complete Answer Key
Below is the complete answer key for the Grade 6 English grammar worksheet on Numbers as Determiners. The answers follow the exact order of the worksheet. Section names and question numbers are reproduced exactly as they appear in the worksheet.
Exercise No. 1
Read each sentence carefully and choose the correct option (a or b) to complete the sentence using the correct number as a determiner.
1. ______ students are absent today.
Answer: b) Two students
2. ______ player scored the winning goal.
Answer: b) Second
3. ______ book is on the shelf.
Answer: a) First
4. ______ lesson was easy to understand.
Answer: a) First
5. ______ car in the parking lot is mine.
Answer: a) Second
6. ______ question was difficult to answer.
Answer: b) First
7. ______ house is on the corner of the street.
Answer: a) First
8. ______ class was scheduled for 10 AM.
Answer: a) Second
9. ______ prize goes to the best student.
Answer: a) First
10. ______ book is yours?
Answer: a) Which (interrogative determiner)
Exercise No. 2
Fill in the blanks with the correct cardinal or ordinal number.
(Note: Many answers may vary. The following are possible correct answers.)
1. He came in the second position in the race.
2. This is the first time I’ve visited this place.
3. Which day of the week is my favorite. (“Which” – interrogative determiner)
4. She finished first in the competition.
5. We are going to first / second / third park tomorrow.
6. He took first / second / third seat in the classroom.
7. The first chapter in the book was very interesting.
8. Which book on the table is mine. (“Which” – interrogative determiner)
9. She was the first person to arrive at the party.
10. The first lesson was about fractions.
Exercise No. 3
True and False. Write True or False for each statement.
1. Cardinal numbers show quantity.
Answer: True
2. Ordinal numbers show position or order.
Answer: True
3. “First” is an example of a cardinal number.
Answer: False
4. “Second” refers to the quantity of something.
Answer: False
5. “Five” is an ordinal number.
Answer: False
6. “Third” indicates the position in a sequence.
Answer: True
7. “Many” is a cardinal number.
Answer: False
8. Ordinal numbers are used to count things.
Answer: False
9. “Tenth” is a cardinal number.
Answer: False
10. “First” and “second” are examples of ordinal numbers.
Answer: True
Exercise No. 4
Underline the number in each sentence and identify whether it is cardinal or ordinal.
1. She won the first prize.
Underline: first
Type: ordinal
2. I bought two apples from the store.
Underline: two
Type: cardinal
3. He finished in second place in the race.
Underline: second
Type: ordinal
4. Three students answered the question correctly.
Underline: Three
Type: cardinal
5. The fifth question was the most difficult.
Underline: fifth
Type: ordinal
6. We have many projects to complete this week. (No number – “many” is a quantifier)
7. First step is to read the instructions.
Underline: First
Type: ordinal
8. They took third place in the competition.
Underline: third
Type: ordinal
9. Four books are on the shelf.
Underline: Four
Type: cardinal
10. He was the second person to arrive.
Underline: second
Type: ordinal
Exercise No. 5
Read the paragraph carefully and use numbers (cardinal or ordinal) correctly as determiners in the paragraph.
(Note: Many answers may vary. The following is one possible correct version.)
There were fifty / many / several students gathered at the entrance of the school for the annual sports event. Twelve / many students participated in the relay race, and most of them were excited to compete. The first race was between two / several teams, and both of the teams were faster than expected. After that, many of the students took part in the long jump competition, and several athletes showed incredible skills. The final event of the day was the 100-meter race, and one student came in first place, while another student came in second place. Everyone cheered for all of the participants, and in the end, one student won the most awards. The award ceremony took place in the evening, and every student received a medal for their hard work.
(Note: For blanks specifically marked with numbers, the most common answers would be cardinal numbers for the number of students and ordinal numbers for positions in the race. “First place” and “second place” use ordinal numbers.)
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You have now completed the entire worksheet on numbers as determiners. Cardinal numbers show quantity. Use them to say “how many.” Ordinal numbers show position or order. Use them to say “which one in a sequence.” “Two” is cardinal (quantity). “Second” is ordinal (position). “First” and “second” are examples of ordinal numbers. “First” is not a cardinal number. “Second” does not mean quantity. Keep practicing, and soon you will never confuse “two” with “second” again. You are building skills that will make your English more accurate, precise, and confident in Grade 6 and beyond.
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