A 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.
Larger numbers i. The reason for this is relatively intuitive. Writing out large numbers not only wastes space but could also be a major distraction to your readers. 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. 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. Another important factor to consider is whether you are working with a whole number or a decimal.
Decimals are always written as numerals for clarity and accuracy. To revisit our library example, perhaps circulation statistics improved in If a number falls in the range of one to ten and is not a whole number, it should be written as a numeral. Incorrect: The circulation of library materials increased by four point five percent in Correct: The circulation of library materials increased by 4.
When two numbers come next to each other in a sentence, be sure to spell out one of these numbers. The main purpose of this rule is to avoid confusing the reader. Incorrect: There were 12 4-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time. Correct: There were 12 four-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time. Correct: There were twelve 4-year-old children waiting for the librarian to begin story time.
Always strive for consistency, even if it overrides a previous rule. For example, if your document uses numbers frequently, it is more appropriate for all numbers to remain as numerals to ensure that usage is uniform throughout. Similarly, if a single sentence combines small and large numbers, make sure that all the numbers are either spelled out or written as numerals.
Incorrect: The library acquired five new mystery novels, 12 new desktop computers, and 17 new periodicals. Correct: The library acquired 5 new mystery novels, 12 new desktop computers, and 17 new periodicals.
If your work must follow the rules of a specific style guide, understand that various guides all have rules for spelling out numbers that may differ slightly from the rules listed above. For example, MLA style indicates that writers may spell out numbers if they are not used too frequently in the document and can be represented with one or two words e.
APA style advises that common fractions e. A number of specific rules for spelling out numbers are outlined in Section 9. Your ultimate authority will always be a style guide, but in the absence of one, following the rules outlined above will help you stay consistent in your use of numbers in writing. Scribendi's in-house editors work with writers from all over the globe to perfect their writing.
Other guidelines can be found in the Turabian citation manual, 8th edition on pages MLA Spell out numbers that can be written in one or two words three, four hundred, eighty-seven. If you are writing a scientific paper and are using a lot of numbers, use Arabic numerals for all numbers that are before measurements 3 ohms, 16 centimeters. Other guidelines can be found in the MLA citation manual 7th edition on pages 3. APA The general rule in APA is that you should write out numbers that are under 10 and you should use digits for numbers that are 10 and above.
There are several other guidelines for this rule also: Use digits for information in graphs. Use digits before units of measurement. How to Calculate the Julian Date. How to Calculate Time in Decimals. How do I Calculate Cumulative Percentages? What Is a Superscript in a Chemical Formula? How to Convert Minutes to Hundredths of a Minute. How to Calculate a Recurrence Interval. What Are Consecutive Fractions? How to Find Missing Exponents. How to Calculate Time Math. The Importance of Hazardous Waste Management.
What Is the Meaning of Quantitative Observation?
0コメント