When writing your research paper, spell out all numbers unless they are volume or page numbers, dates (July 4), years (1776), decades (’70s), percentages (approximately 1.8% of mustered Patriots were killed in the American Revolution), statistics (based on about 6,800 deaths out of the 145,000 soldiers enlisted) including inventories, or addresses (1600 Pennsylvania Avenue) and phone numbers (816-282-4933).
Common fractions should be spelled out such as one half, one third, one fourth etc. Fractions in a mathematical or scientific context are typed out numerically. Ratios are also usually spelled out (one out of ten people believe …), however, if the sentence is in a paragraph listing statistics, then (1 out of 10 people).
A person’s age also gets spelled out. Spelling out all numbers (unless fitting into the above categories) does make your paper longer. However, when the number is a regnal number (in other words a royal pain—hahaha), you use Roman numerals such as George III, or Pope Pius VI who reigned at the time.
Who knew there was a plus side to such stylistic requirements?
Created by Dr. Daniel F. Stramara, Jr. 21 August 2024
