Fourth or Forth: Which One Is Correct? (Simple Grammar Guide)

Quick answer: Fourth refers to position or number (4th), while forth means moving forward or outward.

I’ve paused mid-sentence more than once, wondering, “Is it fourth or forth?” They sound the same, but one small spelling change can completely change the meaning.

That’s why people often search fourth or forth, which is correct, or how to spell fourth or forth.

This confusion shows up everywhere from fourth or forth grade and fourth or forth of July to common phrases like back and forth.

Spellcheck doesn’t always catch it, and the rule isn’t always explained clearly.

In this guide, I’ll explain the difference in simple terms and help you choose the right word with confidence, wherever you’re writing.

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Fourth or Forth: Quick Answer

Fourth is a number word. It means 4th in order or position.

• She is in the fourth grade.
• This is my fourth attempt.
• July 4th (fourth) is a national holiday.

Forth means forward or outward movement.

• He stepped forth to speak.
• The rules are set forth below.

👉 If it’s a number, use fourth.
👉 If it’s about movement, use forth.

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The Origin of Fourth or Forth

The spelling of fourth or forth comes from Old English, which explains why the words sound alike.

• Fourth developed from a word meaning number four.
• Forth came from a word meaning forward.

Over time, pronunciation stayed similar, but meanings stayed separate. That’s why people still ask fourth or forth? And how do you spell fourth or forth today?

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British English vs American English Spelling

There is no difference in spelling between regions.

Word	UK	US	Canada	Australia
Fourth	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Forth	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️

Whether you’re searching fourth or forth UK, fourth or forth Canada, or fourth or forth Australia, the rule is the same.

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Use fourth when writing about:

• Grades (fourth grade)
• Numbers (4th, fourth)
• Dates (fourth of July)

Use forth when writing about:

• Direction or movement
• Formal phrases like set forth or go forth

If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Is this a number or an action? That question solves nearly every fourth or forth mistake.

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Common Mistakes with Fourth or Forth

❌ She is in forth grade.
✅ She is in fourth grade.

❌ They went back and fourth.
✅ They went back and forth.

❌ This is the forth example.
✅ This is the fourth example.

The phrase back and fourth or forth is one of the most common errors forth is always correct there.

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Fourth or Forth in a Sentence

• He finished fourth in the race.
• She read the fourth chapter.
• The speaker stepped forth confidently.
• The instructions are set forth clearly.

These examples show how meaning not sound decides the spelling.

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Fourth or Forth: Trends & Usage

Search trends show fourth is used far more often because it appears in education, dates, and numbering. Forth appears less frequently and mainly in formal or literary contexts.

That’s why people keep searching:

• fourth or forth meaning
• is it fourth or forth
• spelling of fourth or forth
• 4th fourth or forth

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Fourth vs Forth Comparison Table

Feature	Fourth	Forth
Type	Number	Direction
Refers to 4	Yes	No
Used in grades	Yes	No
Used in movement	No	Yes
Example	Fourth of July	Go forth

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FAQs: Fourth or Forth

1. Is it fourth or forth?
Both are correct, depending on the meaning.

2. Is fourth or forth used for grade levels?
Always fourth.

3. What is the meaning of forth?
It means forward or outward.

4. How do you spell fourth or forth correctly?
Choose based on whether it’s a number or movement.

5. Is “back and fourth” ever correct?
No. The correct phrase is back and forth.

6. Is there a regional difference?
No usage is the same worldwide.

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Conclusion

The difference between fourth or forth is simple once you know what to look for. Fourth always relates to numbers, order, or position. Forth always relates to movement or direction. They may sound the same, but they never mean the same thing.

If you remember that fourth contains “four”, and forth means forward, you’ll avoid this mistake every time.

Whether you’re writing about fourth grade, the fourth of July, or going back and forth, choosing the right word improves clarity and professionalism.

Now, when someone asks “fourth or forth which is correct?” you’ll know the answer instantly.

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