Learn on PengiElements of Language, 5th CourseChapter 15: Spelling: Improving Your Spelling

Lesson 4: Writing Numbers

In this Grade 8 grammar lesson from Elements of Language, 5th Course, students learn the rules for writing numbers correctly, covering cardinal numbers, sentence-opening numbers, and ordinal numbers. They practice determining when to spell out a number versus use numerals, such as spelling out numbers expressible in one or two words and always spelling out ordinal numbers like "first" or "tenth." The lesson also addresses consistency when multiple numbers appear in the same sentence.

Section 1

Writing Cardinal Numbers

Definition

Spell out a cardinal number—a number that shows how many—if it can be expressed in one or two words. Otherwise, use numerals.

Explanation

Cardinal numbers are your basic counting numbers that tell how many. If a number can be written in one or two words, like 'seven' or 'forty-two,' you should spell it out. For longer numbers, use numerals. Remember to be consistent within a single sentence. If you have to use numerals for one number, use them for all related numbers in that sentence to keep it clean and clear.

Examples

  • nineteen players [Spelled out because it's two words.]
  • We baked 150 cookies but only fifty cupcakes. [AWKWARD]
  • We baked 150 cookies but only 50 cupcakes. [BETTER]

Section 2

Numbers at the Beginning of a Sentence

Definition

Spell out a number that begins a sentence.

Explanation

A sentence should never start with a numeral like '10' or '25'. Always spell out the number if it's the very first word. However, if spelling it out makes the number long and awkward (more than two or three words), your best option is to rewrite the sentence. This makes your writing much smoother and easier for your reader to follow.

Examples

  • Eighteen students signed up for the new club.
  • Two thousand five hundred twenty-two fans attended the game. [This is difficult to read.]
  • The game was attended by 2,522 fans. [The sentence is revised so numerals can be used.]

Section 3

Writing Ordinal Numbers

Definition

Spell out ordinal numbers—numbers that express order.

Explanation

Ordinal numbers tell you the position or order of something, like who came in first place or which floor you live on. Think of them as putting things in order. It is standard practice to write these out as words ('first,' 'second,' 'third') instead of using numerals with letter endings like '1st' or '3rd.'

Examples

  • She won first prize in the school's art competition.
  • That must be the twelfth time you've hit the snooze button.
  • His house is the fourth one on the left.

Book overview

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Chapter 15: Spelling: Improving Your Spelling

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Words with ie and ei

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  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Prefixes and Suffixes

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  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Plurals of Nouns

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  4. Lesson 4Current

    Lesson 4: Writing Numbers

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  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Words Often Confused A

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  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 6: Words Often Confused B and C

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Lesson overview

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Section 1

Writing Cardinal Numbers

Definition

Spell out a cardinal number—a number that shows how many—if it can be expressed in one or two words. Otherwise, use numerals.

Explanation

Cardinal numbers are your basic counting numbers that tell how many. If a number can be written in one or two words, like 'seven' or 'forty-two,' you should spell it out. For longer numbers, use numerals. Remember to be consistent within a single sentence. If you have to use numerals for one number, use them for all related numbers in that sentence to keep it clean and clear.

Examples

  • nineteen players [Spelled out because it's two words.]
  • We baked 150 cookies but only fifty cupcakes. [AWKWARD]
  • We baked 150 cookies but only 50 cupcakes. [BETTER]

Section 2

Numbers at the Beginning of a Sentence

Definition

Spell out a number that begins a sentence.

Explanation

A sentence should never start with a numeral like '10' or '25'. Always spell out the number if it's the very first word. However, if spelling it out makes the number long and awkward (more than two or three words), your best option is to rewrite the sentence. This makes your writing much smoother and easier for your reader to follow.

Examples

  • Eighteen students signed up for the new club.
  • Two thousand five hundred twenty-two fans attended the game. [This is difficult to read.]
  • The game was attended by 2,522 fans. [The sentence is revised so numerals can be used.]

Section 3

Writing Ordinal Numbers

Definition

Spell out ordinal numbers—numbers that express order.

Explanation

Ordinal numbers tell you the position or order of something, like who came in first place or which floor you live on. Think of them as putting things in order. It is standard practice to write these out as words ('first,' 'second,' 'third') instead of using numerals with letter endings like '1st' or '3rd.'

Examples

  • She won first prize in the school's art competition.
  • That must be the twelfth time you've hit the snooze button.
  • His house is the fourth one on the left.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 15: Spelling: Improving Your Spelling

  1. Lesson 1

    Lesson 1: Words with ie and ei

    LearnPractice
  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Prefixes and Suffixes

    LearnPractice
  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Plurals of Nouns

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  4. Lesson 4Current

    Lesson 4: Writing Numbers

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  5. Lesson 5

    Lesson 5: Words Often Confused A

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  6. Lesson 6

    Lesson 6: Words Often Confused B and C

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