Numbers in essays
You may have noticed a theme when it comes to the English language: most rules are not completely standardized. This somewhat frustrating fact is especially true when it comes to spelling out numbers. Should you write them out in words or leave them as numerals? To write numbers properly, you will have 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. To make it easier, let's use an example.
Using Numbers, including Percentages
It is generally best to write out numbers from zero to one hundred in nontechnical writing. In scientific and technical writing, the prevailing style is to write out numbers under ten. While there are exceptions to these rules, your predominant concern should be expressing numbers consistently.
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Be the best writer in the office. Get Grammarly. Numbers can disrupt readability in a paragraph, so for most writing purposes, it is best to flex those fingers and type out numbers less than as fully spelled words.
Sophie said there are ninety-nine reasons why she adores Justin Bieber, not ten. According to census records, there were 53, people over the age of one hundred in the U. When writing out numbers between forty and forty-nine, be sure to remember that forty has no u in it this is a common spelling error. The rules demonstrated in the examples above are simply rules of thumb and there are exceptions to them.
For example, round numbers such as hundreds, thousands, or hundred thousands should be written out in full. Numbers that are not conveniently round will read better written as numerals.
It was said that there were five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men. When a number begins a sentence, that number should always be spelled out. That said, writers often choose to restructure their sentences when the numbers become cumbersome for the reader. Five finalists will qualify for the next round of the competition.
Seventeen seventy-six was the year America became a nation. In , America became a nation. Scientific and technical journals, and even news reports, often adhere to the rule that only numbers less than ten should be written out in full, except when fractions or decimals are involved. This can be a sensible approach to ensuring the readability of texts that refer to numbers and figures frequently. The color blue was preferred by five out of 11 experiment participants.
Did you know the average snail moves at 0. The Milky Way is approximately Canada has a population of nearly 36 million. When using abbreviations for units of measurement in your writing, always express numbers as numerals. Similarly, when writing about money, use numerals in connection with the dollar sign or other currency symbols. Infrequent references to money read best when written out as spelled-out numbers plus the word for the currency involved.
One inch is equal to 2. The weight of an average hippopotamus is 1, kg. Patients expressed a desire to take the medication occasionally, but were hesitant to pay the fifty-dollar fee. Deciding whether to write out numbers in full can be tricky, but the key is to use the correct style for your audience and to use it consistently.
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It is generally best to write out numbers from zero to one hundred in nontechnical writing. In scientific and technical writing, the prevailing style is to write out. Rule 1. Spell out all numbers beginning a sentence. Examples: Twenty-three hundred sixty-one victims were hospitalized. Nineteen fifty-six was.
How to properly write numbers in essay. Expression of numbers can be used in one or two words. It also varies when using specific citation styles. A different standard is observed when writing business and technical essay.
Q: Sometimes I see numbers spelled out nine and at other times I see them in numeric form 9.
It is generally best to write out numbers from zero to one hundred in nontechnical writing. In scientific and technical writing, the prevailing style is to write out numbers under ten. While there are exceptions to these rules, your predominant concern should be expressing numbers consistently.
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Show AWL words on this page. Show sorted lists of these words. Any words you don't know? Use the website's built-in dictionary to look them up! Choose a dictionary. It can be difficult to know how to write numbers in academic writing e.
MLA Style Guide
When using numbers in essays and reports, it is important to decide whether to write the number out in full two hundred thousand four hundred and six or to use numerals , Use words if the number can be written in two words of fewer. Remember that some words require a hyphen twenty-six, thirty-nine. Some guides recommend that numbers up to nine should be written in words, and those over nine written using numerals. You should use numerals if the number modifies a unit of measurement, time or proportion 5 minutes, 8 kilograms, 54 mph. Abbreviations of units of measure should always be in the singular. Numerals should be used for all larger numbers although the context might determine the precise usage. In technical writing such numbers should always be written using numerals. If the number is less precise, it may be possible to write the number in words.
Since this is my th episode, it seems like a fitting time to talk about how to use numbers in sentences.
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Writing Numbers
Date published August 7, by Sarah Vinz. Date updated: April 24, Numbers can be written either as words e. In this article we follow the guidelines of APA Style , one of the most common style guides used in academic writing. In general, words should be used for numbers from zero through nine, and numerals should be used from 10 onwards. This is true for both cardinal numbers e. However, there are some important exceptions to this rule. Regardless of what style guide you follow, the most important thing is to be consistent in how you treat numbers throughout your document. Table of contents Exceptions Writing percentages Reporting statistical results that include numbers Writing numbers that are accompanied by measurements Writing long numbers Consistency may not be obvious. The samples measured 7 cm in diameter. The main exception is if you are using a percentage to begin a sentence. In this case, use words to express the entire percentage. Thirteen percent of the patients reported that their symptoms improved after taking the experimental drug. Scribbr Plagiarism Checker. If your paper includes quantitative research, you probably have data to report.
How to Write Numbers
Style manuals do not agree on the issue of when writers should spell out numbers and when they should use numerals. And even a single style manual will point out that the guidelines change according to the type of number and the context in which it is being used. First, we do not begin a sentence with a numeral. Second, a cluster of numbers in a sentence or paragraph is best handled with numerals for readability. Third, numbers that refer to comparable quantities in close proximity should be treated the same. In the following sentence, for example, the number six is written as a numeral because the other two numbers in the same sentence are in nontechnical writing too complex to be expressed in words:.
