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Grammar reference

Punctuation

Numbers, Dates and Abbreviations

Conventions for figures and abbreviations.

b1

Explanation

Spell out numbers under ten in prose and use figures above that, though measurements and statistics are normally figures. Write dates consistently, and give the full form of an abbreviation the first time it appears.

Examples

  • We ordered nine chairs and 24 desks.
  • The survey ran from 3 May to 14 June.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) published the report.

Common mistakes

  • We ordered 9 chairs and 24 desks.

    We ordered nine chairs and 24 desks.

    Small numbers are spelled out in prose.

  • The survey ran from the 3rd of May to the 14th of June, 2021.

    The survey ran from 3 May to 14 June.

    Keep date style consistent.

  • The WHO WHO published the report.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) published the report.

    Expand an abbreviation at first use.

More Punctuation

Comma Use in Sentences

Clauses, lists and introductory phrases.

Semicolons and Colons

Joining related clauses and introducing lists.

Apostrophes and Quotation Marks

Possession, contractions and reported wording.

Hyphens, Dashes and Parentheses

Joining words and interrupting clauses.

Run-ons, Fragments and Comma Splices

Recognising and repairing broken sentences.