When Should Numbers Be Written as Words? Learn the Key Guidelines

The Basics: When to Use Numbers vs. Words

Well, if you’ve ever sat down to write an essay, a report, or even just a note, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “Should I write this number as a numeral (3) or spell it out (three)?” Honestly, it can get a little confusing. But, don’t worry—once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

The general rule of thumb is simple: write numbers as words when they’re less than 10. For example, “I have three books” sounds better than “I have 3 books.” However, there are plenty of exceptions and exceptions within those exceptions. So, let’s dive in and break down when you should stick to words and when numbers are your friend.

Numbers as Words: The Key Guidelines

When the Number is Less Than 10

I’ll start with the basics, and honestly, this is the most straightforward guideline. When you’re writing a number that’s smaller than 10, spell it out. This applies to most formal and informal writing. For example, instead of saying “I saw 7 people at the store,” you would write, “I saw seven people at the store.”

I remember the first time I wrote a formal report for work and instinctively wrote “7” instead of “seven.” I had to go back and fix it after receiving feedback, and it was a small but significant lesson. It just feels cleaner and more polished to write out those smaller numbers.

At the Beginning of a Sentence

This one always throws me off a little, to be honest. When a number begins a sentence, always spell it out. Even if the number is large! For instance, you should say, “Twenty people attended the meeting” instead of “20 people attended the meeting.”

I made this mistake once in an article I was writing, and a friend of mine—who’s a grammar nerd—pointed it out. It feels a little odd when you first start doing it, but it’s definitely more formal and professional. So, when in doubt, remember to write the number out if it kicks off your sentence.

Numbers as Numerals: When to Use Digits

When the Number is 10 or Greater

Honestly, there’s no need to spell out big numbers like “45” or “100” unless you’re doing it for stylistic purposes. When it comes to numbers that are 10 or more, you’re perfectly safe using numerals. For example, “The concert had 25 attendees” or “I ran 15 miles this morning.”

I remember grappling with this rule in my early writing days, unsure about when it was okay to drop the word-form and just use numbers. But after reading a few more guidelines, it clicked. The rule is simple: if it’s a big number (10 or more), just write it as a numeral.

When Discussing Percentages or Specific Measurements

Another time you’ll want to use numerals is when you’re dealing with percentages, measurements, or exact figures. For example, “The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of sugar” or “The inflation rate increased by 4% this year.”

I had a conversation about this with a colleague recently. He pointed out that when you’re dealing with figures that require precision, like measurements or percentages, numerals are essential. You don’t want to make your reader stop and think twice about whether they’re reading the right amount.

Special Cases and Exceptions

When to Use Words for Stylistic Reasons

There are times when you might want to break the rules, especially if you're trying to maintain a specific tone or style in your writing. For example, in poetry or creative writing, you may opt to spell out numbers for rhythm or aesthetic reasons. This isn’t about following a strict grammatical rule but more about the feel of the text.

I had an experience writing a short story where I decided to spell out all the numbers for a more lyrical and old-fashioned vibe. It worked well, and the story felt more whimsical. But, if you’re writing a technical or academic paper, it’s generally best to stick to the standard rules for clarity.

Using Commas with Large Numbers

Okay, here’s one that trips up many people. When writing large numbers in numerals, use commas to separate groups of three digits. So, instead of writing 1000000, you would write 1,000,000. It’s about making the number easier to read.

Honestly, I’ve been caught in this trap myself when I forget to add commas in reports. It makes a big difference in how the number is perceived. No one wants to stare at a huge string of digits!

Final Thoughts: Find Balance and Clarity

So, to sum up: When should numbers be written as words? For numbers under 10, at the start of sentences, and when you want to keep things clear and formal, use words. For everything else, stick to numerals. It’s about balance and readability. You don’t want to overwhelm your reader with long words when digits can make things simpler.

I’ve learned these guidelines over time, mostly through trial and error. You might make mistakes along the way, but it’s all part of the process. Now, with a little practice, you’ll be able to decide exactly when to write numbers as words and when to let digits do the talking.

Next time you write, keep these rules in mind, and you’ll notice how much easier it becomes to make your text flow naturally!

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