Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
4th year
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "4th year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fourth year of a program, course, or any other time period that is divided into years. Example: "I am currently in my 4th year of university, studying biology."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
58 human-written examples
In the 2007 year group there were 57 4th year medical students (15 female, 42 Male).
Science
Phase 2 (4th year) contains specialties such as child health, obstetrics and gynaecology and psychiatry.
Science
By this time, all 12 of the 3-inch 4th Year Type guns were removed and four 3-inch 4th Year Type anti-aircraft guns were added.
Wiki
211 students (3rd year) participated in OM and 223 students (4th year) in EM.
Science
Of 80 medical schools in Japan, 49 agreed to participate for 4th year students and 41 for 6th year students.
Science
The mean age was 23.9 ± 1.1 for the 6th year students and 22.4 ± 1.7 for the 4th year students.
Science
The students were predominately women (41 (76%) of 6th year students and 39 (61%) of 4th year students).
Science
A total of n = 37 3rd and 4th –year medical students were assigned to the intervention group (n = 15; 4th -year) and to the control group (n = 22; 3rd-year).
Science
It has been estimated that only half of the patients remain on therapy after the 4th year [ 38].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
2 human-written examples
Participants were 401 adolescents from 4th year/10th grade with an age range of 14.75 17.08 years (M=15.90 years; S.D.=0.403 years).
Science
Personal volition to CO was relatively low, 3.5 (4th-year nursing students)–14.1% (5th-year medical students), while the willingness to allow CO was at a higher level, 10.6 (4th-year nursing students)–34.2% (medical professionals).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "4th year" in contexts where brevity is valued, such as tables or concise reports. In more formal writing, consider using "fourth year".
Common error
Avoid mixing ordinal (4th) and cardinal (four) forms within the same document. Choose one style and maintain consistency throughout.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "4th year" functions primarily as a noun adjunct, modifying another noun to specify a particular year in a sequence, often within an academic or professional context. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.
Frequent in
Science
73%
News & Media
23%
Wiki
4%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "4th year" is a grammatically correct and very common term used to indicate the fourth year in a sequence, particularly in academic and professional contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered usable in written English. The phrase functions as a noun adjunct, providing specific temporal information. While acceptable in most registers, spelling the number out as "fourth year" offers a slightly more formal tone. As evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, "4th year" is prevalent in science, news and media, and wiki sources. Being consistent in number style (ordinal vs. cardinal) and ensuring clarity in the context are key to effectively using this phrase.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
fourth year
Full form version of "4th year" where the numeral is spelled out.
year four
Reverses the order of the words while maintaining the meaning.
year 4
Numeric representation of the year, without the ordinal suffix.
the fourth academic year
Specifies that it is related to academics and it's the fourth year.
fourth class year
Specifies it as a classification, like freshman, sophomore, junior, senior.
final year
Indicates it is the last year of a program, but does not specify which year.
junior year
Used in some educational systems to refer to the fourth year, especially in a 4-year high school context.
senior year
Used in some educational systems to refer to the fourth year, especially in a 4-year college context.
next-to-last year
Describes the year preceding the final year without explicitly stating which year it is.
penultimate year
Refers to the year before the final year, implying a specific position in a sequence.
FAQs
How do I properly use "4th year" in a sentence?
Use "4th year" to indicate the fourth year of a program or a specific period. For example, "He is in his 4th year of medical school."
What are some alternatives to saying "4th year"?
You can use alternatives such as "fourth year", "year four", or, depending on the context, "final year" or "penultimate year".
Is it better to use "4th year" or "fourth year"?
"4th year" is acceptable and common, particularly in tables or reports. "Fourth year" is more formal and suitable for general writing. Which one to use depends on context and audience.
How does the meaning of "4th year" change in different academic contexts?
In some high schools or colleges, the "4th year" may be referred to as the "senior year". The specific term depends on the institution and its academic structure. Sometimes also referred to as "junior year".
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested