East Forsyth High School, Kernersville, NC - Home of the Eagles
Class Of 1973
Usage of numbers
1/2/17:
Today's Lunchbox Lesson: WRITING WITH NUMBERS
There are some basic rules for writing with numbers in order to figure out when to use the numeral, and when to write out the word. Though style guides vary, here's a short list:
1. Spell out all numbers beginning a sentence. (ex: Twenty-three hundred sixty-one victims were hospitalized.)
...2. Spell out all numbers under ten. (ex: Mary has two younger sisters and five older brothers.)
3. Write out fractions, with hyphenation. (We recovered about two-thirds of the stolen cash.)
3a. **Exception: Mixed fractions are often expressed in figures unless they begin a sentence. (ex: We expect a 5 1/2 percent wage increase.) (ex: Five and one-half percent was the expected wage increase.)
4: Use numerals with dates -- but don't use ordinal numbers (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd) with full dates that include the year. (ex: School begins on August 27, 2009.)
4a. Don't mix numerals and letters. (Today is January 2, 2017, NOT January 2nd, 2017)
5. Use numerals with percentages. (ex: According to the newspaper, 52% of police live in the city.)
5a. ** Exception: If a percentage begins a sentence, it should be spelled out. (ex: Sixty and one-half percent of students walk to school.)
6. Use numerals with decimals. (ex: There was 0.44 inches of rain last month.)
When in doubt, spell it out. If you are unsure about whether to spell it out or use numerals, it is usually best to spell it out. Also, check your style guide if you are required to use one, for any variations. (http://bit.ly/1nZdMDl)
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