When should one use a number instead of a word?

Question

I'm writing the next chapter of my story and I wrote down this sentence:

“Come on, Trainerham. I've climbed the side of the cliff on the Secluded Forest without a rope many times and that cliff was 2 times taller than this one.”

Then I stopped. I don't know if I should use the number 2 or the word two in this situation. I feel odd for using a number for some reason. I guess I assume that a number should be used for listing items or giving a statistic. You know, something to do with math. While the word of a number should be more as a descriptive use like in this situation.

Answer 1

Well, you wouldn't use a number (200) to describe a two hundred foot yacht in a story or novel so I'd say the same applies to "two times taller". The numbers somehow seem less literate. He was 8 years old vs. He was eight years old.

Answer 2

Spell out single digit whole numbers and use numerical representation for all other cases.



Also always be consistent in a sentence.



Here is an example to an exception to the rule.

I need 12 cups and 6 plates.



Check out the blog at AheadoftheCurveTutoring.com they offer math and English tips on their blog.

Answer 3

It should written as; that cliff was twice as tall than this one. Never write 2 times taller than this one.

Normally numbers one to nineteen are written in words and 20 to 100. It all depends on the context.

Answer 4

i think you only use the number when its a double digit teen number like 13 or 14. numbers 1-12 are spelled out i think. I could be wrong. I remember my English teacher mentioning it once like five years ago. Google it. lol

Answer 5

Use the word. It comes off more professionally rather than using the number.

Answer 6

Ooh no,you MUST use the word two. Using the number is a BIG no no.

Answer 7

I think you shoud either spell it out or change the sentence to "twice the size....."

Answer 8

try "twice".