sixty-nine (noun)/ΛsΙͺkstiΛnaΙͺn/ β The cardinal number following sixty-eight and preceding seventy.
sixty nine sounds exactly like sixty-nine but has a different meaning and spelling. Mixing these up is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English.
sixty-nine
noun
The cardinal number following sixty-eight and preceding seventy.
How to Remember the Difference
- β Focus on meaning first β once you know what each word means, the correct spelling follows naturally.
- β Write a test sentence for each word and save it as a reference.
- β When in doubt, look up the definition β if it doesn't match your sentence, switch to the homophone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a homophone of sixty-nine?
sixty nine is a homophone of "sixty-nine". They sound identical when spoken but have different meanings and spellings.
What is the difference between sixty-nine and sixty nine?
"sixty-nine" and "sixty nine" sound the same but have different meanings. See the definitions above for how to use each correctly.
What is a homophone?
A homophone is a word that sounds exactly like another word but has a different meaning and often a different spelling. Examples include "their / there / they're", "to / too / two", and "sixty-nine / sixty nine". Homophones are a common source of spelling and grammar mistakes.
How do I remember the difference between sixty-nine and sixty nine?
A good strategy is to memorize a short sentence that uses each word correctly, then recall that sentence when you are unsure. For example, focus on the meaning first β then let the spelling follow from context. Reading and writing regularly also helps these distinctions become automatic.