Numbers in Writing

Numbers in Writing Rules

1) Spell out numbers one through ten.
Example: I ate three apples today. My dog is seven years old.

2) Spell out numbers above ten, unless writing the number would include using more than two words.
Example: I have twenty-four students in my class.
My sister has 367 stamps in her collection. (that would be four words not including and)

3) Always spell out numbers that begin sentences.
Example: Four hundred and fifty- three people attended the party.

However, it is better to switch your sentence around to avoid putting a multi-worded number at the beginning of the sentence.

Example: There were 453 people at the party.

4) Always use numbers for dates.
Example: My birthday is April 14. He was born in March, 1934.

5) Always use numbers for phone numbers.
Example: The school’s phone number is 905-877-4221.

6) Use numbers for time if using a.m. or p.m.
Example: My alarm is set for 7a.m.

However, spell out the number if using o’clock or if a.m. or p.m. are omitted.

Example: I will make my bed at seven o’clock each morning.
Sarah said she would meet us at four.


RUN –ON Sentences
There are four ways to correct a run on sentence:
1) With a period. (separate the two complete thoughts)

2) With a semi-colon ( ; ) only if the sentences are related

3) With a comma and a conjunction(and, but, for, so)

4) With a semi-colon ( ; ) and a word like however or therefore