In legal writing, we don’t use superscript ordinals. In other words, we do this:

5th

not this:

5^th

(Background: numbers that have the additional letters, like st, nd, rd, and th are called ordinals: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. When you shrink the letters and elevate them, they’re called superscript ordinals: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th.)

So why do many legal documents use superscript ordinals? Because Microsoft Word comes with a default auto-correct setting that automatically converts ordinals to superscript ordinals.

But legal writers shouldn’t accept the Word default for ordinals. Turn it off. Here’s how:

Go to File > Options > Proofing

Click on the “AutoCorrect Options” button

Click on the “AutoFormat As You Type” tab

Uncheck the “Ordinals (1st) with superscript” box

Then:

Click on the “AutoFormat” tab

Uncheck the “Ordinals (1st) with superscript” box

That should do it.

I don’t consider superscript ordinals a glaring mistake. It’s a small distraction at worst. But it’s a symptom of a larger problem. Legal writers should not unthinkingly accept all Word defaults. Take control.