Number Expression Rules

RULE 1 Spell a number that begins a sentence even when other numbers in the sentence are shown in figures.

Twelve of the new shrubs have died; 48 are doing well. Rule 1 Twelve of the new shrubs have died; 48 are doing well.

RULE 2 Use figures for numbers above ten, and for numbers from one to ten when they are used with numbers above ten.

She ordered 8 word processors, 14 computers, and 4 printers. Rule 2 She ordered 8 word processors, 14 computers, and 4 printers.

Use figures to express dates and time (unless followed by o’clock). RULE 3 Use figures to express dates and time (unless followed by o’clock).

He will arrive on Paygo Flight 418 at 9:48 a.m. on March 14. Rule 3 He will arrive on Paygo Flight 418 at 9:48 a.m. on March 14.

Use figures for house numbers except house number One. RULE 4 Use figures for house numbers except house number One.

My home is at 8 Vernon Drive; my office, at One Weber Plaza. Rule 4 My home is at 8 Vernon Drive; my office, at One Weber Plaza.

Use figures to express measures, weights and dimensions. RULE 5 Use figures to express measures, weights and dimensions.

Glenda Redford is 5 ft. 4 in. tall and weighs 118 lbs. 9 oz. Rule 5 Glenda Redford is 5 ft. 4 in. tall and weighs 118 lbs. 9 oz.

Use figures for numbers following nouns. RULE 6 Use figures for numbers following nouns.

Review Rules 1 to 18 in Chapter 5, pages 149 and 150, today.

RULE 7 Spell (and capitalize) names of small-numbered streets (ten and under).

I walked several blocks along Third Avenue to 54th Street. Rule 7 I walked several blocks along Third Avenue to 54th Street.

Spell indefinite numbers. RULE 8 Spell indefinite numbers.

Joe owns one acre of Parcel A; that is almost fifty percent. Rule 8 Joe owns one acre of Parcel A; that is almost fifty percent.

Use figures for a series of fractions and/or mixed numbers. RULE 9 Use figures for a series of fractions and/or mixed numbers.

The measuring cups come in ¼, ½, and ¾ sizes. Rule 9 The measuring cups come in ¼, ½, and ¾ sizes.

RULE 10 Use figures for definite numbers used with percent, but use words for indefinite percentages.

Rule 10 Almost fifty percent attended the play and 20% of the parents attended.

Use words for isolated fractions. RULE 11 Use words for isolated fractions.

Rule 11 Nearly seventy members voted; that is nearly a fourth.