 Related article: NZE: How to write times and dates. We all know the rhyme 1, 2, buckle my shoe. 3, 4, knock on the door. Or should it be One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, knock on the door? Though a reader might not be conscious of it, if numbers are not formatted correctly and consistently, your writing will look unprofessional. This article is about how to make numbers and numerals in formal and informal writing consistent and easy to read in New Zealand English writing. Note that these guidelines don't apply to technical or scientific writing – refer to the appropriate style guide for these styles. The most common question for writing numbers, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction or business documents, is whether to spell out the number or whether to use the numeral, but there are also other rules and exceptions to consider. As always, first check if your organisation has a style guide, and follow that. If there is no style guide, then the guidelines below will help you decide how to write numbers in New Zealand English. To spell out or not to spell out
The first thing to consider is what kind of text you are writing and who will read it. The more numerals, rather than spelled out numbers, the more technical the text appears. Sometimes the decision will be made with space restrictions in mind. There is no set rule; there are just guidelines. But it is, as always, important to be consistent within the document, and across all you content. For literary writing, it was traditionally preferred to spell out all numbers, but today, except in certain circumstances (see the rules and exceptions below), it is acceptable to:
For business writing, it depends on how technical your document is. A general rule of thumb, with the exceptions below, is to:
Websites tend more towards business writing, and numerals are used more than spelled out numbers. Consistency within a paragraph In a paragraph with numbers that sit in both ranges (either above and below 10, or above and below 100), use all numerals in that paragraph only. The rest of the document will continue to use the guidelines above.
However, when two groups of numbers are being used in the same sentence. It is easier and quicker to understand if you spell out one group and use numerals for the other.
Rules and exceptions At the start of a sentence A number should always be spelled out at the beginning of a sentence, or you can rewrite the sentence to avoid the numeral at the beginning of the sentence. Numerals can be used in the rest of the sentence.
Rewrite sentences with a date so that the date isn't at the beginning of the sentence.
Rewrite sentences starting with a number with a decimal so that the numeral isn't at the beginning of the sentence.
Punctuation Use a comma to mark the thousands in numbers with four or more figures.
For very large numbers, it’s clearer to write million or billion after the decimal.
For long numbers that include a decimal, use a thin space instead of commas.
Compound numbers use hyphens when spelled out.
Spacing In most forms of writing, it is clearer to insert a space between the numeral and the abbreviation of the unit of measurement. Though it's now also becoming accepted to close up the space in less formal texts.
When using symbols, it is always closed up (no space before the unit).
Number ranges and elision An en dash without spaces is used to show missing numbers (elision of numbers), for example with page numbers or years. However, don’t elide numbers in headings, or with vital information such as the years of birth and death. Use the fewest figures possible without losing clarity.
If it’s not clear with one numeral, add more numerals.
Don’t elide years that go across a century.
Write BC years in full for clarity.
When writing about a range of years, use from … to or during, not both.
With ranges that include a negative number, it’s better to use words rather than a dash.
If necessary for clarity and meaning, repeat the figures.
With a unit of measurement, don’t repeat the unit unless it’s usually closed up.
Approximate numbers If a number is used approximately, then spell it out. If it is used precisely, use numerals.
Numbers used indicatively (not precisely) should be spelled out.
Ordinal numbers Ordinal numbers indicate a place in a series. First, second, third, fourth, etc. Traditionally these were spelled out from first to ninety-ninth, but today it is more common to see them spelled out from first to ninth, and numerals for numbers higher than that.
Superscripts for ordinals are no longer used in New Zealand English, though you will need to overrule Microsoft Word’s autocorrect to to make sure it's not superscript.
Fractions Fractions are usually spelled out in writing.
Fractions that are long and awkward when spelled out can be written as fractions in informal writing.
Hyphens in fractions are preferred, but can be left out.
Don’t use a hyphen between the whole number and the fraction.
If abbreviations or symbols are used, the number is always in numerals, and fractions are shown as decimals.
Age Use numerals for age.
But in informal writing, it is acceptable to spell it out.
When using ordinals or decades, spell it out.
Units of measurement Spell out numbers with spelled out units of measurement, but numerals can be used with abbreviated units of measurement or spelled out forms.
Money Money is usually shown with figures, but can be spelled out in informal text.
Larger amounts can be combined with symbols and words.
Cents, use the symbol closed up.
Only add the .00 if needed in context.
Percentages Percentages are usually written as figures, regardless of whether you use the % symbol or write out per cent, or how high the number is.
Per cent and percent are both used, though per cent is preferred in British English and percent is preferred in US English. Exceptions There are some exceptions to the rules on when to spell out or use punctuation.
What next? If you have written content in New Zealand English and this all sounds overwhelming, I can help. As a business editor and plain language specialist, I will help you publish better business and government content so that
Contact me today to discuss how I can help you achieve your goals with clear, professional writing. Sources: Hughes, J., & Wallace, D. (2010). Fit to Print : The Writing & Editing Style Guide for Aotearoa New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: Dunmore Publishing. Oxford University Press, (2016). New Oxford Style Manual (3rd ed.). United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. Comments are closed.
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