Apostrophes

Writing Numbers

Introduction

Ever felt confused about when to spell out numbers and when to use numerals? You're not alone! Mastering the rules of writing numbers can add clarity and professionalism to your writing. Whether you're a student working on an essay or a professional drafting a report, understanding these rules is essential. Welcome to "Writing Numbers," where we'll delve into the guidelines for using numbers in your writing. Ready to make your text more polished and precise? Let’s get started!

Writing Numbers

Spell Out Cardinal Numbers

1. Spell out a cardinal number—a number that states how many—if it can be expressed in one or two words. Otherwise, use numerals.

Cardinal numbers are the numbers you use when you count: 1, 2, 3, and so on. 

EXAMPLES 

• one hundred cats 
• twelve hours 
• 294 chairs 
• 5,280 feet

NOTE

When two or more cardinal numbers are in the same sentence, be consistent. Do not spell out one number and use numerals for the other. 

INCONSISTENT 

• Of 1,550 tickets, we sold only two hundred. 

CONSISTENT 

• Of 1,550 tickets, we sold only 200.

Spell Out Numbers at the Beginning of a Sentence

2. Spell out a number that begins a sentence.

EXAMPLE 

• Ten thousand people attended the concert. [The number should be spelled out because it begins the sentence.]

A long number at the beginning of a sentence is difficult to read. You may need to revise a sentence if the spelled-out number will be longer than two or three words. 

EXAMPLES 

• One thousand seven hundred sixty yards equal one mile. [The spelled-out number is quite long.] 
• One mile equals 1,760 yards. [The sentence was rewritten so that numerals could be used.]

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Spell Out Ordinal Numbers

3. Spell out an ordinal number—a number that expresses order.

Ordinal numbers are the numbers you use when you describe the position or order of something: first, second, third, and so on. 

EXAMPLE 

• No one remembers the third verse of the song.

Use Numerals in Conventional Situations

4. Use numerals to express numbers in conventional situations.

Use numerals to identify roads, television channels, page numbers, and line numbers. The numbers in street addresses and dates are also written as numerals. Always use numerals to express measurements or statistics. 

EXAMPLES 

• U.S. Highway 66 
• Interstate 95 
• Channel 2 
• pages 9=29 
• lines 6=9 
• November 11, 1919 
• 604 Stateline Street, Apt. 12, Houston,TX 77002 

Dates and times of day are usually written with numerals, with a few exceptions. You should spell out a number before o’clock, and you should not use A.M. or P.M. with a spelled-out number. 

EXAMPLES 

• 9:25 P.M. 
• 3:00 A.M. 
• 1500 B.C. 
• A.D. 275 
• 2001 
• nine o’clock in the morning [The number is spelled out because it is used with o’clock. The phrase in the morning, rather than the abbreviation A.M., is used to tell the period of the day.]

Practical Tips for Writing Numbers

• Consistency: Ensure you use the same format for numbers throughout your text.
• Clarity: Avoid starting sentences with long numbers; rewrite if necessary.
• Context: Use numerals in conventional situations for clarity and brevity.

Writing Numbers Quiz

Read each sentence and decide if the underlined number should be spelled out. If it should, write the spelled-out form above it. If the number is already correct, write C above it.

1. Jojo saw 6 different species on her first day of bird-watching.
2. The temperature should not drop below 32 degrees tonight.
3. 25 new titles have just been added to the library.
4. Joe is currently 3rd on the school’s all-time scoring list.
5. I want you to polish all 88 keys on that piano.
6. The study group will meet at Sayed’s house, 17 Park Circle.
7. The next rest area is 100 miles away.
8. Mirna needs to be at the auditorium by 6:00 P.M. for rehearsal.
9. Did you notice that the rhyme scheme in lines 7–12 is different from that of the first stanza?
10. Aya came in 4th, which was her best finish yet.

Answers

1. six 
2. C 
3. Twenty-five 
4. third 
5. eighty-eight 
6. C 
7. one hundred 
8. C 
9. C 
10. fourth

Conclusion

Mastering the rules for writing numbers can significantly enhance the readability and professionalism of your writing. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your text is clear, consistent, and polished. Keep practicing these rules, and soon they will become second nature in your writing. Happy writing, and may your numbers always add clarity to your text!