How to Write Numbers in English
As an English learner, writing numbers in English can sometimes be confusing. In this article, we will discuss the rules and guidelines on how to write numbers in English.
Writing Whole Numbers
When writing whole numbers in words, it is important to remember to use hyphens between certain numbers. Here are some examples:
- Twenty-one
- Thirty-two
- Forty-five
- One hundred and twenty-three
- Two thousand and twenty-one
Notice that in the above examples, the numbers 21, 32, 45, 123, and 2021 are written as words with hyphens in between. However, when writing large numbers in words (such as millions and billions), we do not use hyphens. For example:
- One million
- Two billion
- Three hundred million
- Eight hundred eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight
Writing Decimal Numbers
When writing decimal numbers in English, we use a point (.) to separate the whole number from the decimal part. For example:
- 2.5 (two point five)
- 3.14159 (three point one four one five nine)
- 0.75 (zero point seven five)
When writing decimal fractions, we use the word 'and' to separate the whole number from the decimal part. For example:
- 1 and 3/4 (one and three quarters)
- 2 and 1/2 (two and a half)
- 3 and 2/3 (three and two thirds)
Writing Dates and Times
When writing dates in English, we usually write the day first, followed by the month, and then the year. For example:
- Today is the 10th of June 2021.
- My birthday is on the 5th of November.
- The deadline for the project is the 1st of September.
When writing times in English, we usually use the 12-hour clock system and separate hours and minutes with a colon (:). For example:
- The train leaves at 9:30 am.
- We have a meeting at 2:45 pm.
- The movie starts at 7:00 pm.
Overall, writing numbers in English can take some getting used to, but with practice and knowledge of the rules and guidelines, it can become easier. Remember to use hyphens when writing certain whole numbers, use a point to separate whole numbers from decimals, and use the word 'and' to separate whole numbers from decimal fractions. When writing dates, write the day before the month and use the 12-hour clock system when writing times.
