Write out numbers from one to nine in words, and use numerals for 10 and above. This rule keeps your essay clear and polished. For example, “She bought three apples” reads better than “She bought 3 apples.”
Use numerals for dates, times, percentages, and measurements. Write “October 5, 2023,” “3:15 PM,” “25%” or “10 kilometers.” This consistency avoids confusion and maintains professionalism.
When writing large numbers, mix words and numerals for clarity. Instead of “1,000,000,” say “one million.” For precise figures like “1,250,000,” use “1.25 million” to make it easier to read.
Start sentences with words, not numerals. Rewrite “75 students attended” as “Seventy-five students attended.” This improves the flow and aligns with standard writing practices.
Keep formatting consistent. If you choose to write “five percent” in one place, avoid switching to “5%” elsewhere. Uniformity ensures your essay looks professional and well-organized.
Check your style guide. APA, MLA, and Chicago have specific rules for numbers. For example, APA prefers numerals for counts above ten, while MLA spells them out. Follow the guidelines that fit your assignment.
Practice these tips to refine your writing. Clear, consistent use of numbers enhances readability and leaves a strong impression on your reader.
When to Spell Out Numbers vs. Using Numerals
Spell out numbers from zero to nine in essays, such as “three” or “seven.” Use numerals for numbers 10 and above, like “12” or “105.” This rule applies to most academic and formal writing contexts.
For consistency, use numerals when dealing with measurements, percentages, and dates. Write “5 cm,” “25%,” or “March 15, 2023.” Avoid mixing formats in the same sentence or paragraph.
At the beginning of a sentence, always spell out the number, even if it’s above nine. For example, “Twenty-five participants attended the event” is correct, not “25 participants attended the event.”
For large numbers, combine words and numerals for clarity. Write “1.5 million” instead of “1,500,000” or “one million five hundred thousand.” This approach keeps the text readable and concise.
In technical or scientific writing, numerals are often preferred for precision, even for numbers below 10. For example, “The experiment required 3 samples” is acceptable in such contexts.
When writing about time, use numerals with “a.m.” or “p.m.,” like “8:30 p.m.” For round hours, spell it out, such as “eight o’clock.” Avoid redundancy, like “8:00 p.m.”
For ordinal numbers, spell out first to ninth, like “third” or “ninth.” Use numerals for 10th and above, such as “12th” or “21st.” This maintains clarity and readability.
In lists or comparisons, use numerals for all numbers to ensure consistency. For example, “The survey included 5 questions, 15 participants, and 3 categories.”
Always check the specific style guide you’re following, as rules may vary. APA, MLA, and Chicago styles have slight differences in their number formatting guidelines.
How to Format Numbers in Academic and Formal Writing
Spell out numbers from zero to nine and use numerals for 10 and above. For example, write “five participants” but “12 experiments.” This rule applies to most contexts, including essays, reports, and research papers.
Use numerals in the following cases:
- For measurements: “5 cm,” “10 kg,” “2 hours.”
- With percentages: “25%,” “3.5%.”
- When citing data: “The survey included 150 respondents.”
In sentences starting with a number, write it out in words: “Twenty participants attended the seminar.” Reword if the number is large: “A total of 1,200 students were enrolled.”
Consistency matters. If you’re discussing a range, format both numbers the same way: “from 15 to 20” or “from fifteen to twenty.” Avoid mixing styles.
For decimals and fractions, use numerals: “0.75,” “3.5,” “1/4.” Write out fractions at the start of a sentence: “One-third of the sample completed the task.”
In formal contexts, follow specific style guides:
- APA: Use numerals for numbers 10 and above, and spell out numbers below 10 unless they’re in a table or figure.
- MLA: Spell out numbers that can be written in one or two words (e.g., “one hundred”) and use numerals for others.
- Chicago: Spell out numbers up to one hundred and use numerals for larger values, except in scientific writing.
Check your work for clarity and uniformity. Proper formatting ensures your writing is professional and easy to understand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Numbers
Always spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence. For example, write “Twenty-five participants attended the event” instead of “25 participants attended the event.” This rule ensures clarity and avoids confusion.
Use numerals for precise measurements, percentages, and dates. For instance, write “The temperature dropped to 12°C” or “The project is 75% complete.” This approach maintains consistency in technical or data-driven contexts.
Avoid mixing numeral and word formats in the same sentence. For example, instead of writing “We ordered 5 pizzas and three salads,” use “We ordered five pizzas and three salads” or “We ordered 5 pizzas and 3 salads.” This keeps your writing uniform and professional.
Be consistent with large numbers. Write “1,000” instead of “one thousand” in formal or technical writing, but use words for round numbers in less formal contexts, like “a thousand people attended.” This helps maintain the right tone for your audience.
Double-check ordinal numbers. Write “the 21st century” instead of “the 21 century” to ensure accuracy. Ordinal numbers often trip up writers, so proofread carefully.
Use numerals for decimals and fractions. For example, write “0.75” or “3/4” instead of spelling them out. This makes complex numbers easier to read and understand.
Pay attention to hyphenation in compound numbers. Write “twenty-one” instead of “twenty one” or “twentyone.” This small detail improves readability and correctness.
Rules for Writing Percentages, Dates, and Times
Always write percentages as numerals followed by the percent sign (e.g., 25%). In formal writing, avoid using the word “percent” unless it starts a sentence. For example, “Twenty-five percent of the participants agreed.”
When writing dates, use the format preferred in your region. In American English, write “Month Day, Year” (e.g., October 5, 2023). In British English, use “Day Month Year” (e.g., 5 October 2023). Avoid ordinal indicators like “th” or “nd” in formal writing.
For times, use numerals with “a.m.” or “p.m.” (e.g., 3:30 p.m.). Omit the colon and minutes for whole hours (e.g., 5 p.m.). In 24-hour formats, write times without “a.m.” or “p.m.” (e.g., 15:30).
Consistency is key. Choose one style for percentages, dates, and times, and apply it throughout your essay. This ensures clarity and professionalism in your writing.
Tips for Consistency in Number Usage Throughout Your Essay
Decide whether to write numbers as words or numerals and stick to it. For instance, if you choose to spell out numbers below 10, always write “seven” instead of “7.” Establish clear rules at the start and apply them uniformly.
Follow the style guide required for your essay, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Each has specific conventions–APA recommends using words for numbers below 10, while Chicago suggests spelling out numbers up to 100. Consistency with these guidelines ensures accuracy.
Pay attention to contexts like percentages, dates, and measurements. Write “15%” or “fifteen percent” consistently, not a mix of both. For measurements, use numerals with units: “5 cm” or “five centimeters,” not a combination.
Revise your work to check for inconsistencies. Create a checklist of number rules and apply it during editing. This helps spot errors, such as switching between “twenty-one” and “21” in the same paragraph.
Use tools like grammar checkers or style editors to automate consistency checks. These tools can flag mismatched number formats, saving time and improving accuracy in your writing.