Page 78 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

Study Section 16: Numbers in Writing

16.1 Connect

Here are some quick and easy rules to memorize that will really help you out when writing a paper
when using numbers. They are not hard to learn and will make your paper much more readable.
These “rules” are more suggestions on how to format numbers when using them in papers. If you
don’t follow the rules, the person reading will most likely be able to figure out the facts. However,
in following these rules, your paper will certainly be more “readable.”

16.2 Numbers in Writing

Numbers in text can cause confusion to the reader. When using numbers in text, the writer should
make the numbers as clear as possible by adhering to the following rules.

Rule 1:
Numbers zero to nine should be spelled out.
• I have 1 daughter and 2 sons. Better: I have one daughter and two sons.

Rule 2:
Numbers greater than nine that are expressible in one or two words may be expressed either in numerals or
in words.
• Examples: 16 or sixteen 84 or eighty-four 200 or two hundred

Rule 3:
In spelling out numbers, numbers 21 to 99 are hyphenated (except for those ending in zero, e.g. ten, twenty).
• Examples: 37 thirty-seven 80 eighty

Rule 4:
Large numbers should be written in as short a way as possible.
• Confusing: Over 85,000,000 people voted in the election.
• Clear: Over 85 million people voted in the election.

Rule 5:
When using two numerals in a row, spell out one number.
• Confusing: My class had 12 4-year old students.
• Clear: My class had twelve 4-year-old students.

Rule 6:
Numbers in a series should be written the same way; be consistent.
• Confusing: There were two oranges, 5 apples, and four cucumbers on the table.
• Clear: There were two oranges, five apples, and four cucumbers on the table.

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