English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
DEALING WITH NUMBERS
The men arrived at ~5 o’clock~ (less acceptable).
The men arrived at *five o’clock* (more acceptable).
In relation to time, figures are spelt out when they are followed by ‘o’clock’.
The men arrived at ~five p.m.~ (less acceptable).
The men arrived at *5 p.m.* (more acceptable).
Figures are portrayed as digits when they are followed by ‘a.m.’ or ‘p.m’.
GAB
No comment