1. Spell out numbers from zero to nine
When writing out numbers that are zero to nine, it is best to spell them out. For example, “There were three cars in the parking lot” or “He has two pencils on his desk.”
2. Use numerals for 10 and above
When writing numbers 10 and above, use numerals. For example, “There are 15 students in the classroom” or “She has 20 books on her bookshelf.”
3. Use numerals for any number that begins a sentence
When you need to begin a sentence with a number, use numerals. For example, “50 people attended the party last night” or “100 dollars was spent on groceries this week.”
4. Use commas for large numbers
For numbers that are more than four digits long, use a comma to separate groups of three digits. For example, “1,000” or “10,000.”
5. Avoid using a combination of words and numerals
Try to avoid using a combination of words and numerals in the same sentence. It can cause confusion for readers. For example, instead of writing “There were 8 employees hired last month,” write “There were eight employees hired last month” or “8 employees were hired last month.”
6. Spell out ordinal numbers
Ordinal numbers, such as first, second, third, and so on, should be spelled out. For example, “She was the third person to arrive at the event.”
7. Use numerals for percentages
When referring to a percentage, use numerals. For example, “25% of the class failed the quiz.”
8. Use numerals for measurements
Measurements, such as weight, height, distance, and time, should be written in numerals. For example, “The package weighed 2 pounds” or “She ran 5 miles this morning.”
9. Stick to one format
When writing numbers, stick to one format throughout the document. For example, if you’re using numerals for all numbers, don’t switch to writing out numbers in the middle of the document. Consistency is key for clarity.
10. Remember the exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the rules listed above. For example, you should write out numbers that are used as slang or in non-standard ways. For example, “He gave me 20 bucks” or “I caught a 5-pound fish.”
In conclusion, knowing how to write numbers correctly is important for clear communication. Remember to use the correct format and stick to one throughout the document. Following the rules above will help you write numbers with confidence.