Comments on: Writing Numbers

By: Jane

Jane — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:47:35 +0000

First, let's lay out the rules that apply to your situation. Rule 1 of Writing Numbers on our website states, "Spell out single-digit whole numbers. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine." Rule 2 states, "Be consistent within a category. For example, if you choose numerals because one of the numbers is greater than nine, use numerals for all numbers in that category . . .If you have numbers in different categories, use numerals for one category and spell out the other." Rule 1 in the "Colons" section of our grammar rules says, "Use the colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as namely, for example, or that is do not appear." Also Rule 4 in the "Semicolons" section of GrammarBook's rules states, "Use the semicolon to separate units of a series when one or more of the units contain commas." Therefore: He continues to be the biggest hero to his four children: Nina, age 15; Nadia, 16; Raul III, age 21; and Saul, just 5 years old.

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:32:39 +0000

Neither of those sentences is grammatically correct. A college class is often referred to as a course and it would be highly unlikely to take four years to complete. You might say, “I graduated after a four-year program in engineering/history/biology/etc. at X University/College” or “I graduated after a four-year course of study in engineering/history/biology/etc. at X University/College.”

By: veco

veco — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:03:34 +0000

which is correct? i graduated four-year-course or i graduated for years course?

By: Toni

Toni — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:53:07 +0000

…he continues to be the biggest HERO to his 4 children, Nina-age 15, Nadia-16, Raul III-age-21 and Saul, just 5 years old.

What is the correct way to write the above sentence? It has the number of children (4) or (four), and their respective ages. Should their ages be hyphenated or not? Should the five year old be (5) or (five). I just don’t know where to begin.
Also is it correct to write the ‘five year old’ or the ‘five years old?’

By: Jane

Jane — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:35:26 +0000

The rule in our “Numbers as Adjectives” blog states, “Generally, hyphenate between two or more adjectives when they come before a noun and act as a single idea.” Based on this rule, you would write, “I went on a two-year-and-one-month vacation.” Since this is a bit awkward, you may want to revert to your original sentence, “I went on a 25-month vacation.”

By: Owen

Owen — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:21:20 +0000

If I wanted to change this phrase “I went on a 25-month vacation,” by separating it into years and months, would I write “I went on a two-year and one-month vacation?”

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:30:01 +0000

Your wife is correct. Since one is singular, use the singular word year.

Her baby is one year old.

By: Randy

Randy — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:35:32 +0000

I almost always include an “s” when I say “one years old”. For example, “Her baby is one years old.” My wife is an English teacher and always corrects me, “Her baby is one year old.” However my wife is not a native speaker like me (as I). Who´s right? Have I been using this term wrong my whole life? I said both ways are correct.

By: Jane

Jane — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:27:37 +0000

Our blog "Hyphens with Numbers" addresses part of your question. The rule states, "When you’re combining two or more words to form a compound adjective in front of a noun, put hyphens between these words." Regarding whether to write out numbers or use numerals, Rule 1 in our Grammarbook "Writing Numbers" section says, "Spell out single-digit whole numbers. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine." Rule 2 states, "Be consistent within a category. For example, if you choose numerals because one of the numbers is greater than nine, use numerals for all numbers in that category. If you choose to spell out numbers because one of the numbers is a single digit, spell out all numbers in that category. If you have numbers in different categories, use numerals for one category and spell out the other." Therefore, A 20-year-old student is correct. You are right that not all authorities agree. For example, the Chicago Manual of Style (9.2) says, "In nontechnical contexts, Chicago advises spelling out whole numbers from zero through one hundred and certain round multiples of those numbers." On the other hand, AP Stylebook says for ages, "Always use figures." Since you are in the medical field, you may also wish to consult the AMA Manual of Style.

By: Jane

Jane — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:18:54 +0000

The style manuals do not seem to agree on words vs. numbers in regard to monetary amounts. AP Stylebook recommends figures with the dollar sign and the Chicago Manual of Style says that references to money should be spelled out for whole numbers of one hundred or less. All of your examples are correct.The best strategy is to be consistent.