For example, round numbers such as hundreds, thousands, or hundred thousands should be written out in full. Numbers that are not conveniently round will read better written as numerals.
It was said that there were five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men. When a number begins a sentence, that number should always be spelled out.
That said, writers often choose to restructure their sentences when the numbers become cumbersome for the reader. Five finalists will qualify for the next round of the competition. Seventeen seventy-six was the year America became a nation.
In , America became a nation. The Chicago Manual of Style, on the other hand, suggests that writers spell out number zero through one hundred and use numerals after that point — the exception being whenever whole numbers in combination with hundred, thousand, hundred thousand, million, billion etc.
Here are a few examples: seven thousand, eight hundred, thirty million or , 2, and 32,, We learned earlier that there really are no black and white rules when it comes to deciding whether or not to write out numbers numerically or to spell them out phonetically. In fact, it is all really a matter of personal preference. Note: If you are following AP guidelines, years are never spelled out. Example: was the year he was born.
For example, it is easier to write twenty-five hundred than it would be two thousand five hundred. You will also find that it is also considered to be acceptable to place the apostrophe before the s instead of before the number. As a general rule of thumb, the majority of people choose to spell out numbers phonetically if they can be expressed in two or less words and will write the number out using numerals for numbers that are longer than three words.
Say you're working on a paper evaluating the importance of the local public library in your community. The document will make use of small numbers, large numbers, decades, and statistics. Each type of number may follow a different rule. Thankfully, when using numbers in writing, you can count on a few conventions that apply to most situations; just be sure to consult your specific style guide if one has been assigned.
If you don't have time to review each number yourself, a professional editor or proofreader can ensure that your numbers are written correctly. A simple rule for using numbers in writing is that small numbers ranging from one to ten or one to nine, depending on the style guide should generally be spelled out. Larger numbers i. The reason for this is relatively intuitive. Writing out large numbers not only wastes space but could also be a major distraction to your readers.
Here is a rule that you can truly rely on: always spell out numbers when they begin a sentence, no matter how large or small they may be. If the number is large and you want to avoid writing it all out, rearrange the sentence so that the number no longer comes first.
Another important factor to consider is whether you are working with a whole number or a decimal. Decimals are always written as numerals for clarity and accuracy. To revisit our library example, perhaps circulation statistics improved in If a number falls in the range of one to ten and is not a whole number, it should be written as a numeral. Incorrect: The circulation of library materials increased by four point five percent in Correct: The circulation of library materials increased by 4.
When two numbers come next to each other in a sentence, be sure to spell out one of these numbers. The main purpose of this rule is to avoid confusing the reader. Incorrect: There were 12 4-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time. Correct: There were 12 four-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time.
Use words for common fractions. Use words for universally accepted usage Ten Commandments. Posted at PM Comments 0. Asset 1 Request Info. Asset 1 Apply Now.
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