A number of specific rules for spelling out numbers are outlined in Section 9.1 of the Chicago Manual of Style. APA style advises that common fractions (e.g., two-thirds) be expressed as words. ![]() For example, MLA style indicates that writers may spell out numbers if they are not used too frequently in the document and can be represented with one or two words (e.g., twenty-four, one hundred, three thousand). If your work must follow the rules of a specific style guide, understand that various guides all have rules for spelling out numbers that may differ slightly from the rules listed above. Style Guides May Have Slightly Different Rules for Writing Numbers in Words Incorrect: The library acquired five new mystery novels, 12 new desktop computers, and 17 new periodicals.Ĭorrect: The library acquired 5 new mystery novels, 12 new desktop computers, and 17 new periodicals. Similarly, if a single sentence combines small and large numbers, make sure that all the numbers are either spelled out or written as numerals. For example, if your document uses numbers frequently, it is more appropriate for all numbers to remain as numerals to ensure that usage is uniform throughout. Consistency Is Key When Using Numbers in Your WritingĪlways strive for consistency, even if it overrides a previous rule. If you are referring to a specific year (e.g., 1955), use the numeral. Incorrect: The library was built in the '50s.Ĭorrect: The library was built in the fifties. Decades and Centuriesĭecades or centuries are usually spelled out, especially if the writing is formal. Incorrect: There were 12 4-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time.Ĭorrect: There were 12 four-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time.Ĭorrect: There were twelve 4-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time. The main purpose of this rule is to avoid confusing the reader. When two numbers come next to each other in a sentence, be sure to spell out one of these numbers. Incorrect: The circulation of library materials increased by four point five percent in 2015.Ĭorrect: The circulation of library materials increased by 4.5% in 2015. If a number falls in the range of one to ten and is not a whole number, it should be written as a numeral. To revisit our library example, perhaps circulation statistics improved in 2015. Decimals are always written as numerals for clarity and accuracy. DecimalsĪnother important factor to consider is whether you are working with a whole number or a decimal. Revised: There were 15 new fiction novels on display. 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. Incorrect: 15 new fiction novels were on display.Ĭorrect: Fifteen new fiction novels were on display. 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. Writing out large numbers not only wastes space but could also be a major distraction to your readers. The reason for this is relatively intuitive. Larger numbers (i.e., above ten) are written as numerals.įor example, instead of writing "It cost ten-thousand four-hundred and sixteen dollars to renovate the local library," you would write, "It cost $10,416 to renovate the local library." Writing Small and Large NumbersĪ 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. If you don't have time to review each number yourself, a professional editor or proofreader can ensure that your numbers are written correctly. ![]() 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. Each type of number may follow a different rule. The document will make use of small numbers, large numbers, decades, and statistics. Say you're working on a paper evaluating the importance of the local public library in your community. Should you write them out in words or leave them as numerals? To write numbers properly, you will also need to identify potential differences between major style guides (such as MLA, APA, and Chicago, to name a few) because these guides often outline different rules for using numbers in writing. This (somewhat frustrating) fact is especially true when it comes to spelling out numbers. You may have noticed a theme when it comes to the English language: most rules are not standardized.
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