When to write number in letter

[LyThuy]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me when a number should write in letter? Is it necessary to write number in letter when the number is the value without an unit after it?

Tks.

 

[Barb_D]

This is a matter of style, not grammar.

One common rule is to spell out numbers under ten and use numerals for numbers over ten.

So you would say "I ate three cookies" but "I have 14 first cousins."

If you are creating a chart or table, use numerals for all numbers.

 

[LyThuy]

Thank you very much. I didn't know about it. How about if I have two numbers, one blow 10 and one over 10.

Like this is OK?
"This year the number of my first cousin increased from nine to forteen".

 

[Barb_D]

cousins - plural

You can always choose to write them out, and you can always choose to use numerals -- it's just a matter of style.

Personally, I think mixing in the same sentence looks odd, but I'd choose to go with numerals for both.

It's your choice -- just be consistent. In the next paragraph, don't say "9."