# Thread: 3,2th entry of the matrix? English grammar

1. ## 3,2th entry of the matrix? English grammar

Hi there

If one wants to adress the value of a system matrix namely $\displaystyle m_{2,3}=5$. How is the perfect English sentence?

Someone told me that saying "the matrix entry $\displaystyle 2,3$ of $\displaystyle M$ is five." was wrong. What would a grammatically correct sentence be like in English?

"The $\displaystyle 2,3$th entry of the matrix $\displaystyle M$ is five." or what is your advise?

Best
Huberscher

2. ## Re: 3,2th entry of the matrix? English grammar

I am a native English speaker. I can't claim authority for the entire English speaking peoples though.

If I had to speak of a matrix entry in the matrix M in spoken English I would say

"M 2 3 is 5."

I would indicate index boundaries with a slight pause.
I wouldn't use the word entry as it's redundant.

I wouldn't use ordinal endings like "nd", or "th" because they are unnecessary and confusing.

3. ## Re: 3,2th entry of the matrix? English grammar

Equivalently, "M sub 3, 2 is 5".

4. ## Re: 3,2th entry of the matrix? English grammar

Originally Posted by HallsofIvy
Equivalently, "M sub 3, 2 is 5".
That's what I would say as well if being concise. Being very careful to avoid confusion, I would say: "The cell in the third row and second column of the matrix contains 5."