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Numbers can be confusing to write
when it comes to the many different forms needed, such as
dates, years, and decades; decimals, percentages, and
fractions; and addresses, phone numbers, and time.
Note: Much controversy exists
about the correct usage of numbers in writing. Depending on
the style guide (MLA, APA, Chicago), the rules might
vary. For instance, while many style manuals and grammar
handbooks encourage writers to use the figure form for
fractions, APA style spells out fractions such as
two-thirds.
Please check with your style manual if your
instructor or employer requests that you use a specific
style.
The following are general guidelines for academic or
business use.
Dates,
Years, and Decades
Figures
instead of words are used for dates and years.
Ex. July
21, 2007 or 21 July 2007
Decades can
either be written out or presented in numeral form. The
following examples are correct:
Ex. I was
born in the eighties.
Ex. I was
born in the ’80s.
Ex. I was
born in the 1980s.
Note in the
second example that an apostrophe is used before the number
to indicate that information is missing. Note also
that no apostrophe is needed between the figure and the
final s.
Decimals, Percentages, and Fractions
Figures
instead of words are used for both decimals and fractions.
Ex. 0.42
Ex. 2/3 of
a cup.
Percentages
require using the figure for the number, but spelling out percent.
Ex. 37
percent (as opposed to 37%)
Note that
some guides and handbooks give different advice. Make
sure that your handling of percentages is consistent with
the style you are using.
Addresses, Phone Numbers, and Time
Both
addresses and phone numbers use figures.
Ex. 123
Main Street
Ex.
555-1234
For time,
figures are used only with AM and PM. When using o’clock,
the numbers in the time are written out.
Ex. 10:30
AM
Ex. It is
five o’clock.
Note that AM and PM can be
represented in a number of ways: AM and PM, A.M. and P.M.,
am and pm, and a.m. and p.m. |