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Rule 1. Spell out all numbers beginning a sentence. Examples: Twenty-three hundred sixty-one victims were hospitalized. Twenty twenty was quite a year. Note: The Associated Press Stylebook makes an exception for years. Example: 2020 was quite a year.
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.
Although usage varies, most people spell out numbers that can be expressed in one or two words and use figures for numbers that are three or more words long. Note: If you are using a specific citation style, such as MLA or APA , consult the style manual for specific formatting instructions.
Different editorial style manuals have different rules for when to spell out numbers instead of using numerals. Here are a few examples of when to spell out numbers, and when to use numerals.
As with other grammar rules, rules for writing numbers change according to certain style guides (for example Chicago Manual of Style, AP, MLA, etc.). Discover several general rules for spelling out numbers.
When should you spell out numbers in a sentence? Numbers under 10? numbers over 100? Here's expert advice from The Chicago Manual and a nonfiction copyeditor about numerals vs. words, with roman numerals, ordinal numbers, ages, clusters of numbers, and percentages.
General Rules for Spelling Out Numbers. The following rules apply in nearly every case, so you can use them as default across tasks, genre, or style guides. 1. Keep a consistent pattern for using numerals and spelling out words. Make sure to remain consistent with which numbers you spell out and which ones you format with numerals.
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.e., above ten) are written as numerals.
To spell out numbers correctly using the APA style, here are general rules to follow: Spell out numbers below 10. Numerals should be used for numbers 10 and above, numbers below 10 should be spelled out. Spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence.
Learn the essential rules for spelling out numbers in writing. Understand when to use numerals and when to spell out numbers, with detailed examples and guidelines for formal, informal, and technical writing.