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. 3. No other standard rule: Experts don’t always agree on other rules. Some experts say that any one-word number should be written out. Two-word numbers should be expressed in figures. That is, they say you […]
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figure, digit |
számjegy |
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letter |
betű |
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number |
szám |
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numeral |
számjegy |
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abstract concept |
elvont fogalom |
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to express |
kifejezni |
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rule |
szabály |
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to count on something |
támaszkodni valamire |
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expert |
szakértő |
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comma |
vessző |
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separator |
elválasztó |
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period |
pont |
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decimal |
tizedes tört |
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to denote |
megjelölni, kifejezni |
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fourscore |
nyolcvan |
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century |
század |
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decade |
évtized |
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percentage |
százalék |
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rounded |
kerekített |
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estimated |
becsült |
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exact number |
pontos szám |
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confusing |
zavaró, zavarba ejtő |
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ordinal number |
sorszámnév |
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consistency |
következetesség, következetes használat |