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. ![]() ![]() The easiest way to notice the difference in spelling and its national character is by looking through different national publications or international editions of media outlets.You may have noticed a theme when it comes to the English language: most rules are not standardized. To this day, Webster gets a lot of credit for influencing the way Americans write English. So, his 1828 dictionary recommended the -or spellings of the disputed words. On the other side of the pond, an equally famous American lexicographer, Noah Webster, wanted to make the English language used in America truly American. We know that Samuel Johnson, the famous British lexicographer, had a strong preference for the -our versions of words, as is evident from his 1755 dictionary. The word “color,” for example, is spelled with an “-or” ending in American English, while in British English it’s spelled “colour.” There are plenty of other examples: “flavor” and “flavour,” “honor” and “honour,” “rumor” and “rumour.” The list could go on and on.įor a long time, there was no consensus on how words ending with -or or -our should be spelled in Britain. “Favorite” and “favourite” share a common backstory with other words in the English language. The origins of the two spellings of favorite He likes red, too, but not as much as blue.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |