Fractions are written out in words. They are hyphenated only when they come right in front of a noun, called a “direct” adjective.
…increased by seven eighths…
…only one third of them remained…
…a seven-eights increase…
…one-third reduction in staff…
If there is a mixed number, a whole number and a fraction, in the sentence also, the fraction is in figures, for the sake of consistency.
…sent 2 1/4 today and will send another 3/4 tomorrow…
Happy punctuating!
Margie
Comments 8
Another place where you and LMEG disagree! 🙂
Author
On which part? I hope it is not all of it.
How would you write: I used a 1 7/8 inch ball on the hitch? 1-7/8-inch ball does not look right.
Author
Hi, Renee.
I would do
…1 7/8-inch ball…
The mixed number is already considered a unit and does not need the hyphen.
Happy punctuating!
Margie
Using the hyphen is common in construction as it provides intention/clarity.
1 7/8 could be read as 17/8, as spaces can deceive.
1-7/8 or 2-1/2 is very clear that you are referring to {whole number}-{fraction}.
This isn’t just my opinion, if you look at Home Depot, Lowes, and other websites and you do a search for fractional sizes with and without the hyphen you will see vastly different results. The industry standard for builders/construction is to use a hyphen for clarity.
Author
Dear Tom,
The court reporting field would take this into consideration in a case the heavily involves these types of figures.
Have a good day.
Margie
How would you punctuate the following when he’s referring to 23 or 24:
twenty, give or take, three or four
Thank you!
Author
…twenty-, give or take, three or four…
Nothing really helps this a lot.