After 10 come the teen numbers. You have counted to 20. Now let’s read and write them.
| Numeral | Word | Ten and … |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | eleven | 10 and 1 |
| 12 | twelve | 10 and 2 |
| 13 | thirteen | 10 and 3 |
| 14 | fourteen | 10 and 4 |
| 15 | fifteen | 10 and 5 |
| 16 | sixteen | 10 and 6 |
| 17 | seventeen | 10 and 7 |
| 18 | eighteen | 10 and 8 |
| 19 | nineteen | 10 and 9 |
| 20 | twenty | 10 and 10 |
Key idea
A teen number starts with 1, for one ten. The second digit tells how many more.
Why it works
We write the ten first, on the left, and the extra ones next. That is why fourteen is written 14, even though we say “four” first.
Worked example: Writing fourteen
Write the number fourteen.
- Fourteen is ten and four more.
- Write 1 for the ten, then 4: 14.
Answer: 14
Common mistake
Writing 41 for fourteen, because “four” is heard first. 41 is a much bigger number! A teen number always starts with 1.
For grown-ups: Point out teen numbers on clocks, calendars and house numbers. Ask: “Is that ten and how many more?”