Comments on: More on Using Words and Numerals to Express Numbers

By: Jonas M. Grant

Jonas M. Grant — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 03:04:21 +0000

Great blog, Ken. I’m not sure I find the fact that the drafter may make a mistake in coordinating one (1) or more words and numerals to express a number terribly compelling. The drafter can bungle all sorts of things, and the numbers are just one part of this – the responsibility for drafting the document properly lies with the drafter, and the responsibility of checking it for accuracy lies with the parties signing it. The fax argument, however, I do find more compelling than you do – I often receive a legal document that’s been faxed to me where one digit or letter is hard to read for one reason or another and spelling out the numbers in words as well as digits generally is effective in overcoming any confusion in this case. In some instances, the copied or faxed document is the best available version of the original document (and even an original can be smudged, ripped, etc.).

By: Ken Adams

Ken Adams — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:50:45 +0000

Jimmy: Different authorities make different recommendations regarding when you should switch over to numerals. (For general writing, some authorities recommend you use words up to 100.) Whether you make the transition at nine or ten is less significant that having a convention and sticking with it. Ken

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:59:09 +0000

I generally agree with your suggestion, except that I would use words for one through nine and numbers for 10 and above. I believe this approach is more common. Why do you suggest using words for ten?