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Do numbers have hyphens?

Cameron Powell | 2023-06-09 09:02:39 | page views:1416
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Lucas Kim

Works at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Lives in Vienna, Austria.
Hello there, I'm an expert in the field of linguistics and numerical representation. Let's dive into the intricacies of numbers and their representation, particularly focusing on the use of hyphens.

Do numbers have hyphens?

The use of hyphens in numbers can be a bit nuanced and is dependent on the context in which the numbers are used. In English, there are specific instances where hyphens are employed to enhance clarity and readability. Let's explore these instances in detail.

### Writing Out Numbers in Words

When writing numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine in words, it is customary to use a hyphen. This is because these numbers are compound numbers, consisting of two parts: a tens place and a units place. The hyphen helps to visually separate these two components, making it easier for readers to understand the number being represented. For instance, the number 21 is written as "twenty-one," and the number 47 is written as "forty-seven."

### Fractions as Adjectives

Another instance where hyphens are used is when dealing with fractions written out in words. If a fraction is used as an adjective, it is typically hyphenated. This is because the fraction is acting as a single descriptor for a noun that follows it. For example, if you have a cake that is divided into three equal parts, and you want to describe the portion that you are eating, you would say "one-third of the cake." The hyphen connects "one" and "third" to form a compound adjective that describes the "portion."

### Fractions as Nouns

However, if a fraction is used as a noun, it does not require a hyphen. In this case, the fraction stands alone as a complete thought or object. For example, when you say "two-thirds," it is a noun that represents the quantity of two parts out of three. There is no need for a hyphen here because the fraction is not modifying another word; it is the subject of the sentence.

### Other Considerations

It's also important to note that the use of hyphens in numbers can vary slightly depending on the style guide one is following. Different style guides, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, may have specific rules regarding the use of hyphens in numerical representation. Additionally, the use of hyphens can change when numbers are used in different formats, like in scientific notation or when representing large numbers.

### Conclusion

In summary, the use of hyphens in numbers is a matter of clarity and adherence to specific rules. For numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine written in words, hyphens are used to separate the tens and units places. When fractions are used as adjectives, they are hyphenated to form a compound descriptor. However, when fractions are used as nouns, they do not require a hyphen. Understanding these rules can greatly enhance one's ability to effectively communicate numerical information in written form.


2024-05-12 03:00:23

Isabella Gonzales

Studied at the University of Cambridge, Lives in Cambridge, UK.
Use a hyphen between the tens and units number when writing out the numbers twenty-one to ninety-nine in words. Just like that! Use a hyphen between the numerator and denominator when a fraction is written out in words and the fraction is an adjective. ... (Here two thirds is a noun, not an adjective.)
2023-06-11 09:02:39

Lucas Patel

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Use a hyphen between the tens and units number when writing out the numbers twenty-one to ninety-nine in words. Just like that! Use a hyphen between the numerator and denominator when a fraction is written out in words and the fraction is an adjective. ... (Here two thirds is a noun, not an adjective.)
ask:3,asku:1,askr:137,askz:21,askd:152,RedisW:0askR:3,askD:0 mz:hit,askU:0,askT:0askA:4