Forth or Fourth – How to Use Each Correctly

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Fourth vs. Forth – What’s the Gist?

These English homophones have the same sound but have different spellings and different meanings. Knowing what sentence function is needed is the best approach to use.

  • Fourth is a noun.
  • Forth is an adverb.

In spite of their same pronunciation and similar spelling, these two words are not interchangeable.

forth versus fourth

How to Use Fourth in a Sentence

Fourth definition: As a noun, the word fourth reflects one that is number four in a series; a tone or musical interval; a gear or speed in a motor vehicle; when capitalized, it is a proper noun for Independence Day.

For example:

  • He was fourth in line at the bank. (Noun)
  • As she accelerated onto the freeway, she put the car into fourth. (Noun)
  • The city planned for a parade and fireworks to celebrate the Fourth. (Proper Noun)

Furthermore, fourth can also be a modifier, acting as an adverb or an adjective.

How to Use Forth in a Sentence

Forth definition: The word forth is an adverb that means onward in time or order; or out into view.

For example:

  • The couple promised to love and cherish each other from that day forth. (Adverb)
  • He came forth with the information law enforcement needed to crack the case. (Adverb)
  • By Mother’s Day, the trees have put forth nearly all their leaves. (Adverb)

In addition, an archaic term of forth acts a preposition meaning out of.

For example:

  • The gentleman walked forth from the drawing room to escort the hostess. (Preposition)

Outside Examples of Fourth vs. Forth

  • Initial jobless claims increased by 70,000 in the week ended Saturday, March 14 to a seasonally adjusted 281,000, marking the fourth biggest jump for jobless claims on record back to 1967. –The Wall Street Journal
  • A fourth-round pick in 2016 by Cincinnati, Billings will give the Browns some depth up front and potentially a starter to play alongside Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi, who can both stop the run and get to the quarterback. –Houston Chronicle
  • We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by public health officials. –Los Angeles Times
  • Back in the U.S.A. he hoped the same approach would take root here. It didn’t. “Planning commissions in Atlanta kept putting forth plans for green belts, greenswards and regional parks, but they were constantly shot down by opportunists who obviously had good reason to want to maximize their investment,” he told Charles Birnbaum at the Cultural Landscape Foundation. –The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Phrases That Use Fourth and Forth

There are several common phrases for the word fourth or forth, including:

May the fourth be with you: A play on the words from Star Wars of “May the force be with you” and is shared on May 4th.

  • The Star Wars fan posted on May 4th the following greeting to his friends on social media: “May the fourth be with you!”

Break the fourth wall: A performance term where an actor “breaks” the invisible wall that separates him/her from the audience.

  • When the actor playing Hamlet gave his soliloquy, he broke the fourth wall when he addressed the audience directly.

Venture forth: To go out in a cautious but valiant way.

  • After the severe storm had passed by, the family carefully ventured forth to assess the situation.

Going back and forth: Means to vacillate between one place or position and other.

  • He kept going back and forth on whether or not he wanted to marry her.

How to Remember These Words

Because these two words sound exactly alike, having a mnemonic device to distinguish between them is helpful.

Think of the numeral four when you want the word fourth. Both four and fourth mean the same thing. In fact, you can see the base word four in fourth.

Remember the word forward for forth. Not only do both words have that same sense of movement but also share the first three letters of for.

Quiz: Fourth or Forth

  1. He heard the admonition to go _______ and prosper.
  2. The music teacher demonstrated playing the perfect _______ to the student.
  3. The mechanic discovered that the _______ gear was stripped.
  4. During the spring walk, the nature lovers saw the daffodils had burst _______ into bloom.

Article Summary

Is fourth or forth correct? To simplify, think about how these two words are used in a sentence and your choice will be easier. Do you need a noun? Pick fourth. Do you need an adverb? Choose forth.

  • Fourth functions as a noun.
  • Forth functions as an adverb.

Quiz Answers

  1. Forth
  2. Fourth
  3. Fourth
  4. Forth