U S A G E
Numerals
Incorrect Usage
The event is on March 23rd.
n
When a number is used in a sentence and is not part of the date or time, spell out one through nine. Also spell out any number that begins a sentence, except for years. Use Arabic numerals for everything equal to or greater than 10. Use numeral figures when preced- ing a unit of measurement; decimals; percentages; and fractions with numbers larger than one.
He was 4th in line.
n
n She was the 2nd runner to cross the finish line.
Percentages Use the percent symbol when paired with a number, with no space.
Correct Usage
Correct Usage
n Hundreds of people attended the event.
n The survey says 45% of residents have two cars.
They owned two buses and 10 cars.
n
For amounts less than 1%, preceed the decimal with a zero.
Incorrect Usage
100s of people attended the event.
n
Correct Usage
They owned 10 cars and 2 buses.
n
The cost of living rose 0.6%
n
Ages Use numerals for all ages. Hyphenate ages when used as an adjective. Use younger and older than , not over and under , when referring to age.
For a range 12% to 15%, 12%-15% and between 12% and 15% are all acceptable.
Use percentage rather than percent , when not paired with a number.
Correct Usage
Correct Usage
He is 5 years old.
n
Incorrect Usage
n The percentage of people agreeing is small.
n He is five years old. For more information on Ages, see the AP Stylebook . Ordinal Numbers Ordinal numbers designate place (e g , first, second or third) and should only be used when they represent a sequence or a location. Numbers at the beginning of a sentence should be spelled out or the sentence should be rewritten to avoid.
Using Numbers in Charts and Tables Always line the numbers up by the decimal point.
Correct Usage
2,140 .35 180.30
n
Incorrect Usage
2,140.35 180.30
n
Correct Usage
n The City celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2011.
Dates may be abbreviated in tables for space. For more information about Dates , see Page 15.
John received 1st place.
n
For information about Phone Numbers , see Page 21.
It is the first house on the left.
n
17
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator