When to spell out numbers 1

[Volk359]

Greetings all,

I've been curious as to when a number should be spelled out or when it should be left in it's numerical form. For example:

I have two children, ages 5 and 7.

Is this more or less correct? (gramatically, too) I guess when counting things as long as it's a small number then it's spelled out but larger numbers are shown numerically. My two children or I have 2000 pennies in a jar but I wouldn't write it's the year two thousand five or my ninety eight Chevy. Maybe it’s a date thing.

Other examples come to mind, too. Is there a rule of thumb to use?

Thanks!

 

[earthandfire]

I was taught that:

one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

10, 11 etc

 

[SantaMufasa]

Yes, earthandfire quotes the typical rule of thumb with the addition of:

1) do not "mix modes" within a sentance (example:
Incorrect: "My son is nine and my daughter is 10." Correct: "My son is 9 and my daughter is 10.")

2) Do not begin a sentence with a numeral: (example:
Incorrect: "2 years ago, we went to Mexico."
Correct: "Two years ago, we went to Mexico."


Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)

http://www.dasages.com

Do you use Oracle and live or work in Utah, USA?
Then click here to join Utah Oracle Users Group on Tek-Tips.

 

[earthandfire]

SantaMufasa, by way of presentation, I agree with your first exception, but, technically at least, I think "My son is nine and my daughter is 10" is correct.

No argument with your second, though.

 

[chipperMDW]

I'd spell out that rule as:

Always spell out numbers from zero to nine. You may write larger numbers in digit form when you deep appropriate.


I think the "may" is important, because I would never write this sentence:

The order will ship in two, five, 10, or 15 days depending on your location.

In that example, I think it's best to maintain a consistent format throughout the list instead of switching.


Of course, when you're writing in some domain where numeric quantities are important (e.g. a math or physics textbook, or a spreadsheet containing inventory counts), you'll waive that rule and only use the digit representation for the sake of both human and machine readers.


And some quantities nearly always use a given format. e.g. dates, money, version numbers.

 

[AnotherHiggins]

I've always used the rule of thumb of writing out numbers one through nine (and sometimes ten) and using numerals for 10 or 11 and higher.

Another school of thought says you should write out numbers that require no more than two words.

Just so you don't think I'm making this all up, a quick google turned this up:

http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/numbers.htm

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[blue]-John[/blue]
[/tt][red]"If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit."[/red]
-Mitch Hedberg

Help us help you. Please read FAQ181-2886 before posting.

 

[earthandfire]

I think I'm outnumbered here.

But as I said, for presentation puposes, consistency is important. I was just unsure as to what was technically correct in that particular situation.

 

[earthandfire]

Then I am definately wrong. Thanks anotherhiggins!

 

[Volk359]

Wow, much to consider here. Most of the suggestions are ones I've already heard/used so no difference there. The reason why I ask is my wife and I are in the process of writing a book and I want to make sure I get things right.

Thanks to all of you!!

 

[earthandfire]

I've just noticed my spelling of definitely.

 

[trollacious]

The Associated Press Stylebook is the "Journalist's Bible", and most newspaper writers use that as their guide. If I remember correctly, it says numbers less than 10 are written out, and with 10 or more you use the numerals.

http://www.cas.okstate.edu/jb/faculty/ketterer/style.htm#Numbers

Lee

 

[columb]

As a comment on anotherHiggins' link they recommend

Avoid using ordinals when writing dates: February 14, not 14th.

However, here in the UK, I would use 14th February and definitely see 14 February as incorrect.

Another one of those US/UK differences.

Columb Healy

 

[tsdragon]

I like the idea of basing whether or not you spell out the number at least to some extent on the number of syllables (as suggested above). But I don't entirely agree with the limit of two. I would have no problem spelling out seventeen, especially when used with other spelled-out 'teens.

For the most part though, I think all the posts above have some merit. Context and usage are as important as any particular rule. Like most things in writing, use your common sense and see how it looks and how it reads. That will usually tell you which way to go.


Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[Volk359]

Lee, good link. That'll come in handy.

Tracy, is that the brown mustard or the yellow?

 

[tsdragon]

Brown mustard. The yellow stuff is too vinegary. Guess I should modify my sig.

I picked up some dill-flavored brown mustard the other day that is absolutely terrific. Helps cover up that "gamey" taste that some humans have.



Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[Volk359]

Good advice on the mustard, I always carry a bottle of Grey Poup in the glove box just in case.

Don't change the sig, it's all a matter of taste, eh? :~/

 

[ESquared]

I think spelled-out numbers look better, in general. Once you get to three syllables, try the numerals. For one thing, I think it's easier to read.

But in any case, avoid mixing the two as much as possible. It just doesn't look good.

John sold twenty balloons while Mary only sold eight.
John sold 20 balloons while Mary only sold eight.
John sold twenty balloons while Mary only sold 8.
John sold 20 balloons while Mary only sold 8.

In my role as an amateur editor, only the first line looks reasonable to me.

Erik

P.S. Even spell out large numbers where possible. "One million dollars" works better than "$1,000,000." And whatever you do, don't say "$1 million dollars." That just irks me.

 

[Volk359]

Thanks a 1,000,000!

 

[Stella740pl]

Erik,

I think spelled-out numbers numbers look better, in general.
I guess, it depends. Numeric numbers stand out from the text - and sometimes it's just what you want.

I also hate spelled-out (and especially written in sophisticated script) house numbers - on real houses. Big, clear numeric signs makes your house easier to find to everyone - children with limited yet reading skills, adults with not-so-good English (taxicab drivers?), people with not-so-good vision, dyslexics, and yes, ambulance.

In my role as an amateur editor, only the first line looks reasonable to me.
Well, I would make an exception for a math textbook. "John sold 20 balloons while Mary only sold 8" will make the problem more readable and more suitable to the situation.

But in any case, avoid mixing the two as much as possible. It just doesn't look good.
I agree.
Even though some say that "My son is nine and my daughter is 10" is technically correct, the mix doesn't look good and doesn't feel right. How hard is it to spell out "ten", anyway, or to put "9" instead of "nine", to make the phrase look consistent.

"I have two children, ages 5 and 7" look fine to me, what do others say?

Stella

 

[ESquared]

Good points all, except I just don't like the last sentence. Sure, it works, and I can't point to any rule that it breaks. I just don't like it.