Ap Style Numbers Spelled Out

AP Style Numbers: Spelled Out vs. Figures – A practical guide

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is the bible for journalists and writers seeking consistency and clarity in their work. That's why one area that often causes confusion is the use of numbers: when to spell them out and when to use figures. This complete walkthrough will walk through the intricacies of AP style regarding numbers, offering clear explanations and examples to help you master this crucial aspect of writing. Understanding AP style for numbers ensures your writing is professional, consistent, and easily understood by your audience.

Understanding the Core Principles

The AP Stylebook's guidelines on numbers aren't arbitrary; they aim for readability and consistency. The basic principle revolves around the context of the number. On the flip side, generally, numbers ten and below are spelled out, while numbers above ten are written as figures. That said, several exceptions and nuances exist, making it vital to understand the specific rules.

When to Spell Out Numbers in AP Style

As a general rule, spell out numbers from zero to nine, and use figures for numbers 10 and above. Even so, here are the key exceptions and specific situations where spelling out numbers is preferred:

• Beginning of Sentences: Always spell out a number if it begins a sentence. To give you an idea, instead of "20 people attended," write "Twenty people attended." If using figures would create an awkward sentence, restructure the sentence to avoid the problem.

• Numbers One Through Nine as Nouns or Adjectives: This is the most common rule. "Five cats," "three houses," "two cars" – all use spelled-out numbers. This applies even when the numbers are part of a larger numerical expression. Take this case: write "He had nine of the ten available tickets".

• Approximations and Round Numbers: For inexact numbers and round figures, spell them out. Take this: "About two hundred people attended the rally," or "Hundreds of birds flew overhead."

• Ages: Spell out ages when used as adjectives; use figures for ages when used as nouns. For example: "A 5-year-old boy" (adjective), but "The boy is 5 years old" (noun).

• Fractions: Spell out fractions less than one unless they're used with a figure. "One-half of the pie," but "1 1/2 cups of flour."

• Commonly Spelled-Out Numbers: Certain numbers are traditionally spelled out, regardless of their numerical value. This includes numbers like "first," "second," "million," "billion," "dozen," and "score."

• Years: Use figures for years.

When to Use Figures in AP Style

The general rule is to use figures for numbers 10 and above. Beyond this basic rule, here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Numbers 10 and Above: This is the fundamental guideline. Use figures for 10, 11, 12, and so on.

• Measurements, Sizes, Weights, and Distances: Always use figures for measurements (e.g., "6 feet tall," "10 kilograms"), sizes (e.g., "8-inch screen," "size 10 shoes"), weights (e.g., "2 pounds," "150 grams"), and distances (e.g., "10 miles," "5 kilometers").

• Addresses: Use figures for street addresses (e.g., "123 Main Street"), house numbers, apartment numbers, and zip codes. That said, spell out street names (e.g., "First Street," not "1st Street").

• Time: Use figures for times of day. For example: "10 a.m.," "2:30 p.m." Even so, use spelled-out numbers for noon and midnight.

• Dates: Use figures for dates (e.g., "June 10, 2024"). Note the use of commas and the ordinal form for month and day.

• Percentages: Use figures for percentages (e.g., "10%," "50%"). Always use the percent symbol.

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• Money: Use figures for amounts of money (e.g., "$10," "$100 million").

• Scores, Grades, and Points: Use figures for scores, grades (e.g., "a 90 on the test"), and points.

Specific Situations Requiring Careful Consideration

Some situations require extra attention and careful application of the rules:

• Numbers Together: When numbers of different magnitudes are used together, generally maintain consistency within the group. If you use figures for one number, use them for the others. For example: "We ordered 12 pizzas and 3 sodas."

• Numbers and Units: When writing numbers with units, always use figures. Example: "3 kilometers," "15 seconds," "200 milligrams."

• Serial Commas with Numbers: If using a series of numbers, use a serial comma (Oxford comma) in the same manner that you would with any other series. For example: "I visited cities 1, 2, and 3"

• Ordinals: Generally use figures for ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.) above ninth; spell out those below. On the flip side, exceptions exist depending on context, especially if the number begins a sentence.

Numbers and Symbols: A Closer Look

The use of symbols alongside numbers needs precise adherence to AP style.

• Decimal Points: Use a period (.) as the decimal point.

• Currency Symbols: Use the dollar sign ($) before the amount (e.g., $10). For other currencies, use the appropriate symbol, but generally spell out the currency afterward. (e.g. £10 pounds, €20 euros)

• Percentages: Use the percent symbol (%) after the figure (e.g., 10%).

• Abbreviations: Use commonly understood abbreviations like "mph" (miles per hour), "kph" (kilometers per hour), "lb" (pounds), "kg" (kilograms) as appropriate. Ensure they're used consistently throughout the writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What about numbers in headlines?

A: In headlines, brevity is prioritized. Use figures whenever possible to save space, even for numbers below 10.

Q: How do I handle large numbers?

A: For extremely large numbers (millions, billions, etc.), you can use a combination of figures and words. For example: "The company earned $1.5 billion in profit.

Q: What if a number is both a noun and an adjective?

A: If a number acts both as a noun and adjective, prioritize the noun function. For example: "The meeting was attended by 10 members, five of whom spoke." Here, "10" is treated as a figure because it's essentially describing a group.

Q: What about fractions in compound numbers?

A: Maintain consistency. On the flip side, use figures if the whole number portion is above nine; otherwise, spell out the numbers. For example: "1 1/2 cups," but "one and one-half teaspoons.

Conclusion: Mastering AP Style Numbers

Mastering AP style for numbers requires consistent practice and attention to detail. While the core principles are straightforward, the numerous exceptions and nuanced situations demand careful consideration. Remember, the goal is readability and consistency – choose the approach that makes your writing the most easily understood and maintains a uniform style. By understanding the guidelines outlined here, along with consistently referring to the official AP Stylebook, you can ensure your writing remains clear, accurate, and adheres to professional standards. Consistent application of these rules will significantly enhance your writing’s clarity and professionalism.