Correct errors in punctuation sentence structure numbers special

Correct errors in punctuation, sentence structure, numbers, special expressions, and capitalization You express numbers following current business conventions

Numbers

Basic Guideline • Generally, write out numbers one through ten, but express numbers over ten in figure form. • I have two children. • We have 25 new employees.

Numbers at Beginning of Sentences • Write out numbers that begin a sentence or rewrite the sentence. • Eleven secretaries will attend the conference. • A total of 325 students were enrolled in the marketing program. (Insert “A total of”) • The marketing program had 325 enrolled students. (rewrite)

Money • Use figures to express money. • Use dollar sign for amounts over a dollar. • Eliminate zeros on whole dollar amounts. • Use the word “cents” for one amount under $1. • Be consistent within a series. • $1. 50, $10, $49. 99 ($1 and over) • 49 cents (under $1) • Prices of the items included $19. 99, $10, $2. 79, and $. 99. (consistency within list)

Dates • Use cardinal form for dates after a month. • Use ordinal form for dates before a month. • February 15 (cardinal form) • 15 th of February (ordinal form)

Clock Time • Use figures to express clock times used with “a. m. ” or “p. m. ” • Do not add “in the morning” or “in the evening” when using “a. m. ” or “p. m. ” • Eliminate the colon and zeros on whole hours. • Use figures or words with “o’clock. ” • 10 a. m. , 3: 30 p. m. • 4 (or four) o’clock

Addresses • Use figures for all house or building numbers except “One. ” • Use ordinal words to express numbered street names ten or below. • Use ordinal figure form to express numbered street names greater than ten. • 729 Elm Street • One Elm Street • 729 Fifth Street • 729 11 th Street • 729 East 11 th Street

Test Your Mastery Correct any errors in number usage in each sentence. If the sentence is correct, mark “C. ” Please send the check by 8: 00 a. m. on April 15 th to 1153 2 nd Street. Bonuses were presented to three employees who each received $1, 000. I often purchase a Snickers candy bar for $. 75.

Test Your Mastery Answers Please send the check by 8 a. m. on April 15 to 1153 Second Street. Bonuses were presented to three employees who each received $1, 000. I often purchase a Snickers candy bar for 75 cents.

Related Numbers • Express related numbers as the largest is expressed. • Use words or figures for unrelated numbers following the above or under ten rule. • Only 3 of the 15 computers were working. • Only 15 secretaries attended the three-day conference.

Consecutive Numbers • Generally, express the first number in words and the second in figures. • Do not use commas to separate the numbers. • I needed four 60 -watt light bulbs. • I needed 150 60 -watt light bulbs. (first number requires more than two words)

Periods of Time • Follow the above or under ten rule for periods of time (seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years). • You have one minute to answer the question. • You have 15 minutes to complete the quiz. • You may return the merchandise within 7 business days for a full refund. (Business sense)

Ages and Anniversaries • Generally, write in word form. • When he was nine, Tom broke his arm. • Tom, 9, broke his arm. (age follows name) • My parents celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

Numbers With Words, Phrases, and Abbreviations • Use figures when numbers are used with words or phrases. • Use figures when numbers are used with abbreviations. • page 4, Form 1040, Area Code 715, Apt. 29, No. 1

Test Your Mastery Correct any errors in number usage in each sentence. If the sentence is correct, mark “C. ” Please pick up five twelve-packs of pop for our party. Sherry recommended twelve people for the 2 positions. My daughter’s 3 rd birthday party should be fun. It took the printer forty-five seconds to print my document.

Test Your Mastery Please pick up five 12 -packs of pop for our party. Sherry recommended 12 people for the two positions. My daughter’s third birthday party should be fun. It took the printer 45 seconds to print my document.

Round Numbers (Approximations) • Use word or figure form for approximations. • Use a combination of figures and words for round numbers in million or billions. • About 25 (or twenty-five) people applied for the job. • Nearly 1. 5 million people live in Minneapolis.

Weights and Measures • Use figures to express all weights and measures. • My son weighed 5 pounds 12 ounces at birth. • She received 2 pints of blood.

Fractions • Use words to express simple fractions. • Hyphenate fractions only when used as an adjective. • Use figures for mixed fractions. • Over two thirds of the class was absent. • A two-thirds majority vote was needed. • We completed the project in 2 ½ days.

Percentages and Decimals • Use figures to express percentages and decimals. • Use the word “percent” rather than the percent sign. • Express decimals in figures. • Add a “ 0” before a decimal if the decimal doesn’t contain a whole number. • My checking account earned 4 percent monthly. • She ran the 100 -yard dash in 9. 87 seconds. • The machine was set for 0. 5 tolerance.

Test Your Mastery Correct any errors in number usage in each sentence. If the sentence is correct, mark “C. ” Over five percent of working individuals will lose their jobs in the next year. Nearly ½ of government spending is for the military. Please add two and a half days to your processing request. My car needed fifteen gallons of gas.

Test Your Mastery Answers Over 5 percent of working individuals will lose their jobs in the next year. Nearly one half of government spending is for the military. Please add 2 ½ days to your processing request. My car needed 15 gallons of gas.