Which number style is correct for large monetary amounts like $5,000,000?

For large monetary amounts, use a combination of figures and words: $5 million instead of $5,000,000.00. This format is more readable and follows proper business writing conventions.

Is 'Twenty-seven percent of our entry-level employees have majored in accounting' formatted correctly?

Yes, this is correctly formatted. Numbers (including percentages) that begin sentences must be written out in words rather than using figures, so 'Twenty-seven percent' is the proper format at the beginning of a sentence.

How should I format '$32 million' in business writing?

The format '$32 million' is correct for expressing large sums of money. Use a combination of figures and words for sums of 1 million and higher, which creates more readable documents.

Is it correct to write '345 sprockets were purchased' at the beginning of a sentence?

No, this is incorrect. Numbers at the beginning of sentences must be written out in words, so it should be 'Three hundred forty-five sprockets were purchased.' Alternatively, you could restructure the sentence to avoid beginning with a number.

Which is correct: '2.5 million customers' or 'Two and one-half million customers' at the beginning of a sentence?

'Two and one-half million customers' is correct at the beginning of a sentence. Numbers that begin sentences must always be written out, even when they are large numbers or contain decimals.

How should I format times like 2 p.m. in business documents?

Format times using figures with lowercase a.m. or p.m. abbreviations: 2 p.m. is correct. Do not use zeros at the top of the hour (write 2 p.m., not 2:00 p.m.).

[Solution] Part 2 - Grammar/Mechanics Checkup 13: Number Style

Created at: Sun Apr 20 2025

Author: Sarah Bennett

Applying consistent number style rules enhances the clarity and professionalism of your business documents. Review these examples to master proper number formatting.

Which of these sentences apply correct number style? Check all that apply.

More than $5,000,000.00 has been allocated to technology infrastructure upgrades.
Frederik Yannotti, Director of Health Initiatives, turns 32 this year.
Twenty-seven percent of our entry-level employees have majored in accounting.

View Explanation

Numbers from one to ten should be in word form, and figures should be used for numbers 11 and above. However, numbers (including percentages) that begin sentences must be written out. Numbers larger than 1 million should be expressed with a combination of figures and words.

Choose the best option to complete each sentence.

The wire transfer was for nearly .

View Explanation

Use a combination of words and figures to express sums of 1 million and higher.

Most venture capitalists expect a return on investment of approximately on any investment.

View Explanation

Use word forms to express numbers from one to ten, small fractions, and numbers that begin sentences. Use figures to express numbers 11 and higher, money, dates, clock times, decimals, and percents. Use a combination of words and figures to express sums of 1 million and higher.

Which of these is completely correct?

The most the company can spend on a video conferencing system is $thirty-two thousand, which is fifty percent of the technology budget for two thousand, nineteen.
The most the company can spend on a video conferencing system is $32000, which is 50 percent of the technology budget for '19.
The most the company can spend on a video conferencing system is $32,000, which is 50 percent of the technology budget for 2019.

View Explanation

The correct answer is The most the company can spend on a video conferencing system is $32,000, which is 50 percent of the technology budget for 2019.

Which of these sentences express correct number style? Check all that apply.

She wanted to meet before 2 p.m. on April 1.
345 sprockets were purchased yesterday through our online order form.
The overall cost of employee benefits was over $2 million annually.

View Explanation

Use word forms to express numbers from one to ten, small fractions, and numbers that begin sentences. Use figures to express numbers 11 and above, money, dates, clock times, decimals, and percentages. Use a combination of words and figures to express sums of 1 million and higher. When expressing clock times, use lowercase p.m. and a.m., and do not use zeros at the top of the hour (e.g., 3 p.m.).

Which of these choices has the correct number style to use at the beginning of a sentence?

Two and one-half million customers
2.5 million customers

View Explanation

Use a combination of words and figures to express sums of 1 million and higher and round numbers unless the number begins a sentence.

[Solution] Part 2 - Grammar/Mechanics Checkup 13: Number Style

Recommended Books