Expert: Leslie - 11/7/2011

Question
One general business writing rule I follow involves related numbers. I follow the rule that all related numbers should be expressed as the largest number is expressed, i.e. Only 5 of the original 25 applicants completed the assignment, or The company hired three accountants, but only one was certified. One of my business writing students raised interesting question: "How would you write 'Only four out of 2 million applicants made the cut.'"  Two million is clearly larger than four, so do you write it "...4 out of 2 million..."?  Thanks for your help

Holly Hutchins

Answer
Holly,

This question frequently comes up. The answer depends on the style manual you are using. For example, APA says anything under the number 10 (one to nine)is spelled out. Over 10, the writer can use the Arabic numerals. MLA however insists that all numbers under 100 must be spelled out (according to the last version of the rules that I have).

Exceptions to the rules in APA include a comparison of numbers. Comparing two numbers in different forms is difficult for the reader. Example: Researchers insist that between four and ten percent of the population.... OR Researchers insist that between 4% and 10% of the population.... Another caveat used is "Use numerals according to standard practice in the field the paper is in," so if the field is math or science, all numbers are likely to be offered as numerals as opposed to literary offerings, where numbers are spelled out. Finance would include any money amount as a numeral with a sign. Ex: $1

Other conventions:
Decimals are always numerals: She shared 2.5 purchases per person. Fractions are spelled out: 0ne-fourth.
Mixed numbers and words for large numbers are allowed: 2 million.

In your case with the 4 of 2 M, I would say, "only four applicants of two million made the cut," but I am sure I can find a rule that allows any combination you like.

Sorry, I could not be more definitive.

Leslie