Numbers and Spelling

1. Always spell out simple fractions and use hyphens with them.

Examples: One-half of the pies have been eaten.
A two-thirds majority is required for that bill to pass in Congress.

2. A mixed fraction can be expressed in figures unless it is the first word of a sentence.

Examples: We expect a 5 1/2 percent wage increase.
Five and one-half percent was the maximum allowable interest.

3. The simplest way to express large numbers is best. Round numbers are usually spelled out. Be careful to be consistent within a sentence.

Correct: You can earn from one million to five million dollars.

Correct: You can earn from five hundred to five million dollars.

Numbers - Spelling

1. Spell out single-digit whole numbers. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine.

Examples:

I want five books.
I want 10 books.

2. Be consistent within a category. For example, if you choose numerals because one of the numbers is greater than nine, use numerals for all numbers in that category. If you choose to spell out numbers because one of the numbers is a single digit, spell out all numbers in that category.

If you have numbers in different categories, use numerals for one category and spell out the other.

Example:

My 10 dogs fought with their 2 cats.
My ten dogs fought with their two cats.

Given the economic crisis, if all 30 ELT students attend the four plays, then the 7 math students will be able to attend only two plays. (Students are represented with figures; plays are represented with words.)