Calling a reporter part of the Fourth Estate immediately elevates their role. Use this term when discussing media ethics, political accountability, or the philosophy of journalism. It carries weight that “the news” simply does not. Quick Usage Table: Four vs. Fourth vs. *Four- | Form | Part of Speech | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Four | Number (noun/adj) | Four people arrived. | | Fourth | Ordinal number | She was the fourth to speak. | | Four- | Combining form | Four-legged animal; four-door sedan. | A Final Word from the Editors The number four may be small, but it is mighty. It gives us the structure of a team ( a four-piece band ), the shape of a box ( four-square ), and the rhythm of music ( four-four time ).
Supporting one’s body on hands and knees. “The toddler crawled on all fours.” oxford dictionary 4
And that, dear reader, is something to write home about. Enjoy this post? Subscribe to the Oxford Languages newsletter for more word stories, grammar deep-dives, and writing advice. Calling a reporter part of the Fourth Estate
Attributed to Edmund Burke and popularized by Thomas Carlyle in the 19th century. Quick Usage Table: Four vs
“What is said within these four walls stays here.”