Essay numbers

To write numbers properly, you will also need to identify potential differences between major style guides (such as MLA, APA, and Chicago, to name a few) because these guides often outline different rules for using numbers in writing. To make it easier, let's use an example.

The simplest way to express large numbers is usually best. Large round numbers are often spelled out, but be consistent within a sentence. Consistent: You can earn from one million to five million dollars. Inconsistent: You can earn from one million dollars to 5 million dollars.

Larger numbers (i.e., above ten) are written as numerals. For example, instead of writing "It cost ten-thousand four-hundred and sixteen dollars to renovate the local library," you would write, "It cost $10,416 to renovate the local library." The reason for this is relatively intuitive.

• Write in words one or two-word numbers, rounded numbers and ordinal numbers For general academic writing, you need to write these numbers in words: all numbers under one hundred (e.g. ninety-nine) rounded numbers (e.g. four hundred, two thousand, six million) and ordinal numbers (e.g. third, twenty-fifth). Exceptions: See 3.