Numbers

In writing, numbers are used to communicate a variety of information. This includes currency, dates, percentages, and order of importance. Although there is no standard for using numbers in all styles of writing, here are some general guidelines.  

Spell out:  

Numbers between zero and nine three, eight  

Indefinite amounts  millions of people, over one billion  

General time periods  the Sixties, the fifteenth century  

Common fractions   one-fifth of the class, a two-thirds majority  

Universally accepted usage  the Twelve Apostles, the Five Pillars of Islam  

Fractions less than one   two-thirds, nine-tenths  

 

Use numerals for:  

Decimals  5.33, 10.25  

Divisions in books  Chapter 3, pages 43-90  

Addresses  11 Maple Lane  

Specific dates  January 23, 2011, the 21st of May  

Fractions greater than one  1 ½, 2 ¾  

Numbers 10 and up  23, 537  

Both numerals and words can be used for:  

Time of day:  6:00 a.m.; 5:30 p.m.; six o’clock  

Large numbers:  88 hundred, 7 thousand, 203 million, 5 dozens  

Exceptions to these rules:  

Use numerals when grouping a number between zero and nine with a larger number.  

• Example: Only 8 out of 40 people attended the meeting today.  

Use numerals when writing a precise measurement or mathematical function.  

• Examples: 4 cm wide, the remaining 7%, the 9th trial, a ratio of 16:1  

Spell out numbers that begin a sentence, title, or text heading.  

• Example: Forty-eight out of 70 people voted for the bylaw.  

Practice: Numbers 

Practice ↓

Correct the following sentences keeping the number rules in mind.

1. I do not get channel fifty-eight on my television.
2. When my 2 dogs went missing over 20 people went to look for them.
3. At 5 o’clock we served supper to 8 people.
4. She was born on January fourteenth, nineteen ninety one.
5. I have lived at fifteen Crescent Avenue for five years.
6. Only one and one-half hours remain.
7. Open your book to page four.
8. 23 days ago there was a ghost sighting in this courtyard.
9. There are one hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes in a year.
10. The sixth trial found that there was a nine percent success rate.

Answers ↓

1. I do not get channel 58 on my television.
2. When my two dogs went missing over 20 people went to look for them.
3. At five o’clock we served supper to eight people.
4. She was born on January 14, 1991.
5. I have lived at 15 Crescent Avenue for five years.
6. Only 1 ½ hours remain.
7. Open your book to page 4.
8. Twenty-three days ago there was a ghost sighting in this courtyard.
9. There are 125,600 minutes in a year.
10. The 6th trial found that there was a 9% success rate.

Answers: 

1. I do not get channel 58 on my television. 

2. When my two dogs went missing over 20 people went to look for them. 

3. At five o’clock we served supper to eight people. 

4. She was born on January 14, 1991. 

5. I have lived at 15 Crescent Avenue for five years. 

6. Only 1 ½ hours remain. 

7. Open your book to page 4. 

8. Twenty-three days ago there was a ghost sighting in this courtyard. 

9. There are 125,600 minutes in a year.  

10. The 6th trial found that there was a 9% success rate.