10 Rules for Writing Numbers and Numerals

Posted: February 05, 2013

[caption id="attachment_11157" align="alignright" width="394"]image from Daily Writing Tips[/caption]

For some people, writing numbers may cause some confusion. How do you know whether to use the actual number or whether or not to write it out. Now there are some guidelines to assure that you don't get stuck anymore.

[caption id="attachment_11157" align="alignright" width="394"]image from Daily Writing Tips[/caption]

For some people, writing numbers may cause some confusion. How do you know whether to use the actual number or whether or not to write it out. Now there are some guidelines to assure that you don't get stuck anymore.

How do you express numbers in your writing? When do you use figures (digits) and when do you write out the number in words (letters)? That is, when do you write 9 and when do you write nine?

1. Number versus numeral. First things first, what is the difference between a number and a numeral? A number is an abstract concept while a numeral is a symbol used to express that number. “Three,” “3″ and “III” are all symbols used to express the same number (or the concept of “threeness”). One could say that the difference between a number and its numerals is like the difference between a person and her name.

2. Spell small numbers out. The small numbers, such as whole numbers smaller than ten, should be spelled out. That’s one rule you can count on. If you don’t spell numbers out it will look like you’re sending an instant message, and you want to be more formal than that in your writing.

Read entire article 10 Rules for Writing Numbers and Numerals at Daily Writing Tips