Whether to write numbers as numerals (40) or words (forty) is a common writing conundrum. Both options are correct, but usage depends on the context. This article will explain the general guidelines for when to use numerals vs. words for numbers and provide examples to help solidify the rules.
When to Use Numerals
In most cases, numerals are used for numbers 10 and above. This applies to both cardinal numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) and ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). For example:
- There were 15 people waiting in line.
- The address was 4221 Main Street.
- She came in 12th place.
However, there are some exceptions where numbers below 10 should also be written as numerals:
- Units of measurement: 3 miles, 5 inches, etc.
- Statistics and percentages: The exam pass rate was 95% last year.
- Money: The cost is $7.
- Times: We leave at 7:15 a.m.
- Street addresses: 7 Broadway
- Scores: The football game ended with a score of 3 to 7.
Numerals are also commonly used for:
- Page numbers
- Room numbers
- Highway route numbers
- Years: 2023
- Telephone numbers
- Mathematical and scientific formulas
Exceptions for Using Words Instead of Numerals
There are some cases where using the word form for numbers is preferable:
- At the beginning of a sentence
- To express approximate or non-specific numbers: dozens, hundreds, thousands, millions, etc.
- In formal writing to maintain consistency: all numbers are written as words
- To spell out numbers below 10 in nonfiction books for young children
Let’s look at some examples:
- Forty people attended the event. (At the beginning of a sentence)
- There were hundreds of choices on the menu. (Non-specific number)
- The bill totaled twelve dollars and fifty cents. (Formal writing)
- Jenny has three dolls. (Young children’s book)
When to Use Words
As a general rule, numbers below 10 should be written as words. Some key examples:
- Cardinal numbers: one, two, three, etc.
- Ordinal numbers: first, second, third, etc.
- Age: My daughter is five years old.
- Low numbers in sentences: We have two dogs.
Words should also be used for:
- Approximations: A dozen cookies
- Idiomatic expressions: I only have one trick up my sleeve.
- Referring to numbers in dialogue: “I asked you fifty times already!” she yelled.
General Guidelines
When deciding between numerals and words, keep these general guidelines in mind:
- Be consistent within a sentence or paragraph. Don’t switch between words and numerals arbitrarily.
- In formal academic/scientific writing, spell out numbers below 10. Numerals are OK for higher numbers.
- In casual writing, numerals are generally preferred for numbers 10 and up.
- Spell out casual approximations like dozens, hundreds, thousands.
- Pay attention to context. What seems most clear and natural?
Exceptions and Special Cases
Like many grammar rules, there are always exceptions and special cases. Here are a few to note:
- Dimensions: Spell out inches, feet, yards, miles, etc. e.g., The table is 3 feet long.
- Fractions: Spell out fractions less than 1. e.g., Two-thirds of the pie. Exceptions for fractions used with units of measure (3/4 inch).
- Centuries: Write out the words. e.g., nineteenth century
- Decades: Use numerals. e.g., 1920s
- Percentages: Use numerals. e.g., 5%
- Phone Numbers: Use numerals. e.g., (555) 123-4567
Conclusion
The rules for writing numbers can seem tricky, but the main point is to aim for clarity and consistency within the context. Spell out single-digit numbers and ordinals, and use numerals for 10 and above. Be mindful of exceptions like measurements, money, and ages. Stick to either words or numerals within a sentence or paragraph, and use your best judgment for cases not covered by the general guidelines. With practice, choosing numbers vs. words will become second nature.
| Type of Number | Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinal (1, 2, 3) | Words for numbers below 10 | two, seven |
| Ordinal (1st, 2nd, 3rd) | Words | first, second |
| Large numbers | Numerals | 42, 158 |
| Approximations | Words | hundreds, thousands |
| Dimensions | Words + abbreviations | 3 ft, 12 in |
| Money | Numerals + symbols | $5, £10 |
| Addresses | Numerals | 7 Broadway, Apt. 3B |
| Scores/ratios | Numerals | Score: 3-1, Ratio: 1:4 |
| Percentages | Numerals | 5%, 95% |
| Telephone numbers | Numerals | (800) 555-1234 |
This table summarizes when to use words vs. numerals for different types of numbers.
Tips for Using Numbers in Writing
Here are some useful tips when dealing with numbers in writing:
- Be consistent within paragraphs and sentences.
- Spell out numbers below 10 (with some exceptions).
- Use numerals for precise numbers above 10.
- Spell out approximations like hundreds or thousands.
- Choose words or numerals based on the surrounding context.
- Stick to general guidelines but use your judgment.
- Be aware of exceptions like dimensions and money.
- Aim for clarity, consistency, and natural reading flow.
Common Number Format Errors
It’s easy to make mistakes when writing out numbers. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Inconsistent switching between words and numerals in a sentence or paragraph.
- Spelling out small precise numbers like measurements or statistics.
- Using numerals for approximations like hundreds or thousands.
- Not spelling out numbers below 10 in formal academic writing.
- Using numerals to start a sentence instead of spelling the number out.
- Formatting percentages or money incorrectly.
Carefully proofreading your writing for correct number formats will help you avoid these errors.
Number Style Guides for Different Audiences
Number formats may vary slightly depending on your audience:
- Academic/scientific writing: Spell out numbers below 10, use numerals for higher numbers.
- Nonfiction books: Spell out small numbers, use numerals for large numbers. Exact style varies by publisher.
- Journalism: Spell out numbers below 10, use numerals above. Exception for statistics.
- Business/technical writing: Prefer numerals except when spelling out improves readability.
- Conversational writing: Mix of words and numerals. Follow standard guidelines but focus on natural flow.
The key is to choose the number style that matches the expectations of your readers.
Regional Differences in Writing Numbers
Number formatting also varies between American and British English:
- American English uses periods in large numbers: 1,000
- British English uses commas: 1,000
- American English spells out billion, trillion. British English uses numerals.
- Dashes vs. commas in number ranges differ. (US: 45-50, UK: 45-50)
So be aware of regional conventions when publishing for international audiences.
Strategies for Organizing Numbers in Writing
When writing passages with lots of numbers, employ these strategies to keep things clear for readers:
- Group related numbers together in chunks rather than scattering them.
- Use consistent formatting (words vs. numerals) in each chunk.
- Use tables to neatly organize comparisons of different data.
- Introduce each chunk of numbers/data with a heading or description.
- Break long number-heavy paragraphs into manageable sections.
- Use bulleted lists to present many numbers in a compact way.
Orderly organization and presentation of numbers helps readers follow and digest the information.
How Readability Software Handles Numbers
Readability software tools assess writing complexity and grade level. Here is how some popular programs handle numbers:
- Microsoft Word Readability: Treats numbers as neutral for scoring. Only factors in word length.
- Grammarly: Ignores numbers when assessing readability.
- Hemingway Editor: Highlights lengthy numerals as “hard to read.” Suggests spelling out or rephrasing.
- Readable: Considers excessive numbers as detrimental for readability. Flags long strings of numbers.
While numbers don’t directly impact numeric readability scores, many tools provide feedback on improving number clarity and presentation.
Readability Tips for Numbers
To make number-heavy writing more readable and user-friendly:
- Spell out small numbers and ordinals below 10.
- Use numerals for larger precise numbers.
- Break up long strings of numerals with words.
- Use tables to organize and compare numbers.
- Include section headings to introduce number-heavy paragraphs.
- Define acronyms and abbreviations.
- Add explanatory notes and examples for context.
Applying these strategies will help enhance the scanability and clarity of numbers in any document.