Category: How to master numbers in academic and scientific writing?

Numbers, numbers, numbers. For example, three is the number of times I wrote numbers in the previous sentence! Everyone uses numbers, but people use numbers in different ways. Numbers can… Read More →

Numbers are often used to add structure to a document by labelling sections, references, equations, tables or figures. This helps readers navigate within your document or through references. The below… Read More →

Numbers can also be used to identify subsections as in the below example. This can make it easier for a reader to navigate the paper and to see where particular… Read More →

Some style guides are strict on the particular format for references or whether references must be chronological or alphabetical. However, it is often permissible to number the references. This can… Read More →

There are a few different options when labeling items, such as equations, tables or figures. Any of these are fine as long as the conform the style guidelines and are… Read More →

Sometimes, figures are subdivided into parts. Again, there are a few ways to make this easy for the reader to navigate and any is fine as long as it conforms… Read More →

Speaking of Roman numerals, they have their place, but are not the usual way to represent numbers in academic writing. Common error: Equation V can be calculated for our parameters…. Read More →

Numbers can make something much easier to understand or very confusing. Always consider what will help your readers follow your argument. Common error: Giving more decimal places than required or… Read More →

Decades or centuries When referring to a general period rather than a specific year or range, it is fine to use either words or numerals. For example, thirteenth century and… Read More →

When writing out measurements, it is best to use numerals and show the units of measurement. Some units have standard abbreviation which can be used although these may need to… Read More →

Writing about money can require being very detailed or being very general. Where detail is important, it is best to write numerals. However, when we have a very large number… Read More →

Use words for some numbers Sometimes, it’s best to write out the word instead of using numerals. A common convention is to write out all numbers less than 10 (or… Read More →

Sometimes two numbers will be next to each other in a sentence. When this happens, writing one number in words and one in numerals makes it easier to understand. In… Read More →

Occasionally, the text calls for a plural number. For example, this could be referring to a set of years, such as the 1950s, or to cards in a deck, such… Read More →

Once numerals have been used to describe a category, stick to numerals to complete the description of items in that category. Similarly, make sure to write the units in the… Read More →

Starting a sentence with numeral is not the conventional style because it’s hard to see where the sentence begins since there is no capital letter. Sometimes, you can write the… Read More →