Page 61 - Perfect English Grammar: The Indispensable Guide to Excellent Writing and Speaking

There are two main kinds of partial numbers: fractions and decimals. Which you
use depends on the circumstances. Fractions are common in recipes, where

traditional measurements such as ¼ cup or ½ teaspoon are likely to appear.
Fractions are also far more common than decimals in casual conversation,

particularly when a quantity is unknown or estimated. In prose, we usually write
out the fractions in words and use hyphens to separate the numerals and the

words. They are represented as numerals in mathematics, recipes, and formulas.

■ We spent nine-tenths of our time on the trip arguing about the map.

■ Surveys show that something like a third of all citizens are trying to
conserve water.

■ Blend ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup buttermilk, and ½ teaspoon salt.
■ Start with 1 ½ cups of flour.

■ My phone’s battery lasts only two-thirds of the day.
■ Half of all people will experience a temporary disability.

Decimals tend to be used for precise measurements in scientific, financial,

and academic fields.

■ ■ ■ 0.65 liters 3.14159 inches 400.03 points In decimals, if there are no

numerals in front of the decimal point, put a zero. It makes it easier to notice
the decimal.

■ OK: .44
■ Better: 0.44

4.9.2 WRITING NUMBERS

In most writing, such as for school or work, the numbers zero through nine

should be written out as words rather than as numerals. Numbers 10 and higher
should be written as numerals, except when they begin a sentence (see section

4.9.4).

■ There are three cookies left in the jar.