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Style Tips

Numbers Expressed in Words

According to the Publication Manual, you should use words to express any number that begins a sentence, title, or text heading. (Whenever possible, reword the sentence to avoid beginning with a number.)

For example:

Ten participants answered the questionnaire.

Forty-eight percent of the sample showed an increase; 2% showed no change.

Four patients improved, and 4 patients did not improve.

(adapted from the fifth edition of APA's Publication Manual, © 2001)

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