English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
DEALING WITH NUMBERS
~60~ students were admitted, but only 50 students were present today (less acceptable).
~Sixty~ students were admitted, but only 50 students were present today (more acceptable).
Numbers at the beginning of sentences should be spelt out, notwithstanding the digits.
About ~⅓~ of the work has been done (less acceptable).
About *one-third* of the work has been done (more acceptable).
Usually, fractions are written in words in sentences.
As the research shows, ~forty-three per cent~ of the participants do not enjoy their jobs (less acceptable).
As the research shows, *43%* of the participants do not enjoy their jobs (more acceptable).
As opposed to fractions which are preferably written in words, percentages are more acceptable in figures.
GAB
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