Do you spell out numbers in an essay mla.
Except for a few basic rules, spelling out numbers vs. using figures (also called numerals) is largely a matter of writers' preference. Again, consistency is the key. Rule 1 - Spell out all numbers beginning a sentence. Rule 2 - Hyphenate all compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine. Rule 3 - Hyphenate all written-out fractions.
According to APA Style (6th and 7th editions), you should normally use numerals for the numbers 10 and above. You should use words to express numbers below 10 (one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine). Note, however, that APA lists a wide variety of exceptions.
In writing copy, which is better: using numerals or spelling out the numbers? Unless you have a compelling reason to do otherwise, follow general grammar rules. 0-9 should be spelled out and numbers that are 10 and higher, use numerals.
Numbers that can be spelled out in one or two words. ex.: ten, twenty, and eighty (a hyphenated number like thirty-six equals one word). Numbers that are used as compound adjectives.
Do you know how to spell out numbers or when to use digits and when to write out numbers in letters? We’ve enlisted for you some of the rules: when writing numbers in full, all numbers between 21 and 99, except 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 should be hyphenated.
America’s two most influential style and usage guides have different approaches: The Associated Press Stylebook recommends spelling out the numbers zero through nine and using numerals thereafter—until one million is reached.
Typically, when referencing any numeric values under 10, they are actually spelled out (nine, as opposed to 9). Referencing numeric values above 10 are typically reference with the actual numeric.