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That is the last word information to saying (or studying out) numbers in English. Additionally try Maths Vocabulary in English: Do You Know the Fundamentals?
As we speak, you’re going to learn to say various kinds of numbers in English.
We’ll have a look at learn how to say:
- large numbers
- costs
- the time
- decimals
- ordinal numbers
- fractions
- the temperature
- area
- pace
- years
Massive numbers in English
First, you strive!
OK. Check out these sentences and see in case you can say the numbers appropriately.
Don’t transfer on to the following half till you’ve tried to say them. It’s like a check — however a enjoyable one!
- There have been about 120,000 individuals on the gig. It was large!
- We produce 342,876,288 cans of elephant meals yearly.
- I can’t go away till I’ve overwhelmed Kat’s rating of 12,073. I’m going to be right here all night time.
Was I proper?
Effectively, let’s see in case you had been proper.
120,000 = “100 and twenty thousand” or “100 and twenty thousand”
342,876,288 = “300 and forty-two million, eight hundred and seventy-six thousand, 2 hundred and eighty-eight” (phew!)
12,073 = “twelve thousand and seventy-three”
What are the foundations right here?
OK. There are 4 issues you must take into consideration right here.
1. Break large numbers up into items!
See the commas between the numbers? (They’re full stops in most languages however not in English — as a result of English likes to be completely different!)
These commas present you learn how to break the quantity up. So simply say the numbers between the commas and add “billion,” “million,” “thousand,” and so forth. afterwards:
Notice: To keep away from confusion between commas (,) and full stops (.) in large numbers, there’s a world commonplace. What’s the answer? Simply makes use of areas.
324,678,129 → 324 678 129
2. Don’t make “100,” “one thousand,” and so forth., plural!
Simply bear in mind, after we’re saying an enormous quantity, the numbers usually are not pluralised:
So don’t say:
4,000 — “4 hundreds”
Say:
4,000 — “4 thousand”
3. Say “and” after “hundred” (in case you favor British English)
Did you discover the “and”?
Mainly, each time we are saying “hundred,” we are saying “and” subsequent.
Keep in mind — this doesn’t work if there are simply zeros after the hundred:
Nevertheless it’s price remembering that almost all English audio system don’t add “and” — it’s normally simply the Brits. So you may ignore this rule in case you like.
4. “100” or “100” — it doesn’t actually matter
With the next numbers, you may have freedom of selection:
100 = “100” or “100”
1,000 = “one thousand” or “a thousand”
1,000,000 = “a million” or “1,000,000”
Yay, freedom!
Saying costs in English
First, you strive!
OK. Take a look at these sentences. How do you say them?
- That one solely prices $1.89! Let’s get it!
- They actually wished to promote the home for £200,000, however in the long run, they needed to settle for half that.
- Wow — €0.99? That’s low-cost!
Was I proper?
OK. Let’s examine:
$1.89 = “one greenback eighty-nine (cents)” or “one greenback and eighty-nine cents” or “one eighty-nine”
£200,000 = “2 hundred thousand kilos” or “2 hundred grand” or “2 hundred Ok”
€0.99 = “ninety-nine cents”
What are the foundations right here?
There are two primary guidelines at work right here:
1. Phrase order of costs
Within the first instance ($1.89), did you discover how we stated the primary quantity first (1), then the forex ($), then the opposite quantity (89)?
That’s the order we use after we discuss costs:
Keep in mind, we don’t must say “cents” (or “pence” or “Kopek,” and so forth.). It’s clear from the context.
In actual fact, fairly often we don’t even say the forex. So you may simply say:
2. Utilizing “grand” or “Ok” as an alternative of “thousand”
In case you’re speaking about large numbers on a regular basis, it doesn’t make sense saying a protracted phrase like “thousand” time and again.
Happily, we will shorten “thousand” to both “grand” or “Ok.”
However bear in mind, it solely works when the quantity is strictly on the hundreds:
Saying the time appropriately
First, you strive!
OK — are you able to say these occasions appropriately?
Watch out right here. I’ve written these all in 24-hour time, however we don’t say all of them in 24-hour time. Take into consideration the context!
- The movie about sushi begins at 19:00. Don’t be late!
- The aircraft leaves at 17:43. Then the journey begins!
- The subsequent prepare leaving platform 4 will depart at 15:00.
- We could meet at round 18:30?
- You’re late! It’s 08:03.
Was I proper?
Let’s see!
19:00 (on this state of affairs) = “seven” or “seven p.m.” or possibly “seven o’clock”
17:43 (on this state of affairs) = “seventeen forty-three”
15:00 (on this state of affairs) = “fifteen hundred hours”
18:30 (on this state of affairs) = “six thirty” or “half-past six” or “half six”
08:03 = “eight oh-three” or “three (minutes) previous eight”
What are the foundations right here?
Many of the guidelines listed below are a bit completely different as a result of they rely on context.
1. When talking informally, don’t use 24-hour time
So after we’re hanging out with our mates (like within the first and fourth examples), we virtually by no means use 24-hour time.
And whenever you do use 24-hour time, by no means use “o’clock” or “half previous” or “5 to” or any of the traditional “telling the time” stuff.
We simply say the numbers.
Meaning we don’t say “nineteen o’clock.” Ever. Simply by no means say it!
And we by no means, ever, ever say “half previous twenty.”
As a substitute, we simply use 12-hour time.
So don’t say “nineteen o’clock.” As a substitute, say “seven o’clock.” Pondering of claiming “5 previous twenty”? Don’t! Say “5 previous eight” as an alternative.
After I clarify this to English learners, they typically ask, “However how are you aware whether or not it’s morning or night?”
And my reply is at all times the identical: In case you like, you may say “p.m.” or “a.m.” to make clear. However how many individuals go to the cinema at 7 within the morning? Often, the context is evident sufficient.
After which they are saying, “Thanks. Additionally, your hair is wanting nice as we speak.”
2. 24-hour time for scheduled occasions (normally transport)
Once we’re speaking a couple of prepare or a aircraft or a bus leaving, we will use 24-hour time, and it doesn’t sound too bizarre, even after we’re speaking to mates (like within the second instance).
And we will actually count on to listen to it when it’s being introduced at an airport or station (like within the third instance).
3. There are 3 ways of claiming “half previous one thing”
… and none of them consists of “o’clock.”
You’ll be able to say “06:30” in three other ways:
- “It’s half previous 6.” (half previous + quantity)
- “It’s 6 thirty.” (quantity + thirty)
- “It’s half 6.” (half + quantity) — this one’s a bit casual, and it will confuse Germans.
However you may by no means, ever, ever say “it’s half previous 6 o’clock.”
Keep in mind, we solely use “o’clock” when the time is on the hour (“two o’clock,” “4 o’clock,” “one o’clock,” and so forth.) and no different state of affairs!
4. Use “oh”
The final instance above (3:03) is a bit of difficult. If you need to specific a time like this, as an alternative of claiming “zero,” simply say “oh.”
3:03 = “three oh-three”
1:08 = “one oh-eight”
Saying decimals in English
OK. You could be questioning what a “decimal” is.
Effectively, you’re about to search out out!
First, you strive!
Initially, let’s strive saying these sentences:
- In keeping with my calculations, the reply is 6.66666666666666666666666666666666 …
- Sure, we should angle the mirror at exactly 45.665° to destroy the ships and rule the world!
This may occasionally or might not have really occurred.Was I proper?
OK, let’s examine it!
45.665° = “forty-five level six six 5 levels”
66.6666666666… = “sixty-six level six recurring”
What are the foundations right here?
There are three issues to recollect right here:
1. Say “level” in decimal numbers
Easy rule, proper? Simply say “level” and never “dot” or “full cease.” Or “elephant.” Positively don’t say “elephant.”
2. After “level,” say the numbers one after the other
Mathematically talking, the numbers after the purpose (665 within the instance above) usually are not lots of. So we don’t say “600 and sixty-five.”
After the purpose, we simply say the numbers one after the other (“six six 5”).
3. When numbers repeat ceaselessly, simply say “recurring”
Maths is bizarre, and I discover it unusual that stuff like this could occur with numbers.
However when you may have the quantity 6 repeating itself ceaselessly, I’d suggest not saying the quantity time and again till you die of thirst or boredom and all your folks have left the room.
Simply say it as soon as and add “recurring.”
Generally, a couple of quantity repeats itself again and again, like this: 12.131313131313 …
On this case, simply say the pair of numbers that repeat themselves (on this case “one three”) and add “recurring.”
12.131313131313 … = “twelve level one three recurring”
First, Second, Third… (ordinal numbers)
First, you strive!
You recognize what to do:
- We could transfer the assembly to the third?
- He got here in 1st. Once more! The person’s a machine!
- You might be at the moment 256th within the queue. Your name is necessary to us. Please maintain.
Was I proper?
third = “third”
1st = “first”
256th = “2 hundred and fifty-sixth”
What are the foundations right here?
There are a couple of quite simple guidelines right here.
1. Use “the” (or the possessive)
As a result of ordinal numbers are very particular (What number of first locations are there in a race?) we virtually at all times use “the” earlier than them.
Make it an automated behavior!
Right here’s a fast tip, not only for ordinal numbers however typically in English:
You don’t have to make use of “the” when you’ve got a possessive.
So you may say:
The third horse on the left is me unusually.
However you may also say:
Could I introduce you to my seventh spouse?
2. Use “-th” for ordinal numbers after 1st, 2nd and third
Typically talking, to create an ordinal quantity, you simply add “-th.” (Though generally the spelling may be difficult.) Click on right here for the total listing of ordinal numbers.
| 1st | first |
| 2nd | second |
| third | third |
| 4th | fourth |
| fifth | fifth |
| sixth | sixth |
| seventh | seventh |
| eighth | eighth |
| ninth | ninth |
| tenth | tenth |
| eleventh | eleventh |
| twelfth | twelfth |
| thirteenth | thirteenth |
| 14th | fourteenth |
| fifteenth | fifteenth |
| sixteenth | sixteenth |
| seventeenth | seventeenth |
| 18th | eighteenth |
| nineteenth | nineteenth |
| twentieth | twentieth |
| twenty first | twenty-first |
| twenty second | twenty-second |
| … | … |
| thirtieth | thirtieth |
| fortieth | fortieth |
| fiftieth | fiftieth |
| sixtieth | sixtieth |
| seventieth | seventieth |
| eightieth | eightieth |
| ninetieth | ninetieth |
| one hundredth | hundredth |
| one thousandth | thousandth |
| 1000,000,000th | millionth |
It’s the identical for small numbers:
That is the fifth laptop he’s purchased this yr.
And massive ones:
You’re the ninety-ninth particular person to ask me that as we speak.
However watch out. In case you’re making 1, 2 or 3 ordinal, do not forget that they’re utterly completely different:
- 1st → “first”
- 2nd → “second”
- third → “third”
It’s the identical for small numbers:
It’s the first Sunday of the month — and what which means!
And massive ones:
It’s the fifty-second week of the yr. Lastly!
Saying Fractions in English
First, you strive!
OK. You recognize the drill. How do you say these sentences?
- The assembly ought to’ve simply been 1 ½ hours, however as a result of Eduardo wouldn’t cease speaking, it went on for over 2 ½ hours. I used to be late for my tennis workforce assembly.
- I don’t need all of it — are you able to simply give me ⅙ of the pizza? No, make it 2⁄6 … That’s ⅓, isn’t it?
Was I proper?
1 ½ hours = “one and a half hours” or “an hour and a half”
2 ½ hours = “two and a half hours”
⅙ = “one-sixth” or “a sixth”
2⁄6 = “two-sixths”
⅓ = “one-third” or “a 3rd”
What are the foundations right here?
1. Use an ordinal quantity on the underside
Keep in mind the ordinal numbers we talked about above?
We use them for fractions, too.
Let’s have a look at a easy fraction: ⅓
There are two numbers — “1” on the highest and “3” on the underside.
Merely say the quantity on the highest usually — “one” — and the ordinal of the quantity on the underside — “third.”
Then you may have “one third.”
That’s it!
2. Make the underside quantity plural if the highest quantity is 2 or increased
Keep in mind that if we’re coping with a fraction that doesn’t have “1” on the highest, the ordinal have to be plural.
So let’s take one other instance fraction: ⅔
Take the quantity on the highest as typical (“2”) and make the ordinal on the underside plural, so “third” turns into “thirds” (as a result of on this case, there are two of them).
⅔ = “two thirds”
3. Say “quarter” not “fourth” and “half” not “second”
When the underside quantity is 2 or 4, we use “half/halves” and “quarter/quarters.”
As a substitute of claiming ½ as “one second,” we are saying “one half” or “a half.”
And as an alternative of claiming ¼ as “one fourth,” we are saying “one quarter” or “1 / 4.”
4. Get the order proper with fractions!
The same old method to say these numbers is as you learn them.
Let’s have a look at an instance: 2 ½ hours
Say “two and a half” then “hours” (not “two hours and a half”).
Easy and direct, yeah?
4. With 1 ½, there’s an alternate!
Do you bear in mind at first of this publish, we noticed how we will select between “100” and “100?”
Effectively, it’s the identical with “1 ½ ” — you need to use “one” or “a.” It’s as much as you, however do not forget that the phrase order is completely different:
5. Once we say 1 ½, the next noun turns into plural
Did you discover that within the instance above, we stated “one and a half hours,” not “one and a half hour”?
It is a rule in English that a whole lot of books don’t discuss a lot.
However right here I’m … speaking about it!
I assume the logic is that if the quantity is something a couple of (together with 1.000000001), it’s formally plural.
Speaking concerning the temperature
First, you strive!
OK. Are you able to say these appropriately?
- In the midst of winter, it reached -40°C. My hair began freezing.
- However then, in spring, it may stand up to 1°C.
- I do not know whether or not 12°F is scorching or chilly.
Was I proper?
-40°C = “minus forty levels Celsius/centigrade” or “unfavourable forty levels Celsius/centigrade” or “forty (levels) beneath (zero)”
1°C = “one diploma Celsius/centigrade” or “one (diploma) above zero”
12°F = “twelve levels Fahrenheit”
What are the foundations right here?
1. There are 3 ways of speaking about temperatures beneath zero
So when it’s that chilly and your hair is freezing, then it’s most likely beneath zero, proper?
You’ll be able to say:
- “Minus 40 levels” (minus + quantity + levels)
- “Unfavourable 40 levels” (unfavourable + quantity + levels)
- “Forty (levels) beneath (zero)” (quantity + (levels) + beneath (+ zero))
Keep in mind, you don’t must say “Celsius” or “Fahrenheit” if it’s clear from the context.
In actual fact, you don’t even must say “levels” if it’s apparent you’re speaking concerning the temperature.
Additionally bear in mind: whenever you use the third choice (with “beneath”), you don’t must say “zero” or “levels,” however solely do that when it’s clear whether or not you’re discussing Celsius or Fahrenheit. And be sure that it’s clear that you just’re speaking concerning the temperature and never your downstairs neighbours.
2. Celsius or centigrade or Fahrenheit?
OK. That is fairly easy.
Celsius and centigrade are precisely the identical. So don’t fear about mixing these ones up. As a result of it’s not possible!
“Fahrenheit” is the bizarre measurement that the People use that I simply don’t perceive.
To me, Celsius is smart: 0°C is the place water freezes and 100°C is the place it boils.
I believe one of the best ways to consider Fahrenheit is that between 50°F and 100°F is the human consolation zone! (50°F is 10°C and 100°F is sort of 40°C.)
Speaking about area
Not the area with aliens and scary quantities of radiation. And Sandra Bullock appearing badly (as typical).
I imply the area of a room or a field or a cave.
First, you strive!
- Yeah, we needed to downsize. The brand new workplace is simply 30m2. And there are 15 of us!
- Watch this superb man match right into a field that’s simply 30cm3!
Man in a field by Keith Allison | CC BY 2.0Was I proper?
30m2 = “thirty metres squared” or “thirty sq. metres”
30cm3 = “thirty centimeters cubed” or “thirty cubic centimeters”
What are the foundations right here?
1. There are two methods to say m2
That is fairly easy. You will have a selection right here.
You’ll be able to say “12 metres squared” (quantity + “metres” + “squared”).
Or you may go for “12 sq. metres” (quantity + “sq.” + “metres”).
2. There are two methods to say m3
Once more — it’s actually straight-forward:
You’ll be able to say “3 metres cubed” (quantity + “metres” + “cubed”).
Or you may say “3 cubic metres” (quantity + “cubic” + “metres”).
That’s it! Nothing else to see right here. Please transfer on.
Speaking about pace in English!
No, not the Sandra Bullock movie. Please cease speaking about Sandra Bullock.
First, you strive!
OK. Keep in mind to say these earlier than studying on.
- We don’t have sufficient highway to stand up to 88 mph.
- This bike is able to getting as much as 45 km/h. Critically.
- The pace of sunshine? It’s virtually 300,000 km/sec.
Was I proper?
88 mph = “88 miles per hour” or “88 miles an hour”
45 km/h = “forty-five kilometres per hour” or “forty-five kilometres an hour”
300,000 km/s = “300 thousand kilometres per second” or “300 thousand kilometres a second”
What are the foundations right here?
1. “Per hour” or “an hour”?
Once we’re speaking about pace, we have now a selection — we will say “per hour” or “an hour” (or “per second” or “a second”).
However which one to make use of?
My recommendation is that in most conditions, use “an hour.”
“Per hour” sounds a bit of extra technical and formal.
However the distinction is small right here, so I wouldn’t fear about this an excessive amount of. There are higher issues to fret about. Like world warming.
2. The models are plural
It’s necessary to do not forget that the distances listed below are very prone to be plural (except we’re speaking about 1mph or 1km/sec).
So do not forget that it’s “88 miles per hour” not “mile per hour.”
That’s all!
Saying years in English
First, you strive!
- The nice fireplace of London? That was 1666, I believe.
- My gran was one of many oldest individuals in my city when she died. She was born in 1905. Critically! Her husband was born in 1900!
- What did you do for New Yr’s 2000?
- I’ve been fascinated with altering jobs since 2003. However I’m nonetheless right here. Possibly subsequent yr.
- They thought the world was going to finish in 2012. However in addition they thought that the world was flat and that lizards are our rulers.
- I can’t await 2020 and a brand new decade. This final one was a bit garbage!
Was I proper?
1666 = “sixteen sixty-six”
1905 = “nineteen oh-five”
1900 = “nineteen hundred”
2000 = “two thousand”
2003 = “two thousand and three”
2012 = “two thousand and twelve” or “twenty twelve”
2020 = “twenty twenty”
What are the foundations right here?
OK. There’s quite a bit right here. However the excellent news? It’s all fairly easy.
1. Reduce years into two
For nearly all of the years, we reduce them into two — the primary two numbers and the second two:
2. Keep in mind “oh”
When the yr ends with zero plus a quantity (e.g. 1903, 1109, 1601) simply say “oh” as an alternative of the zero (“nineteen oh-three,” “eleven oh-nine,” “sixteen oh-one”).
Keep in mind, this solely works for years after 1000 and never years starting with 20 (e.g. 2009).
3. Use “hundred” or “thousand” whenever you see a number of zeros
If the yr ends in double zero (e.g. 1400, 1100, 2100) simply say “hundred” after the primary numbers (“fourteen hundred,” “eleven hundred,” “twenty-one hundred”).
Keep in mind, this doesn’t work for triple zero years (e.g. 1000, 2000, 3000). With these, we simply say “thousand” (“one thousand,” “two thousand,” “three thousand”).
4. The best way to say 2001 – 2009
Though we will say “twenty-oh-three,” lots of people favor to say “two thousand and three,” all the best way as much as “two thousand and ten.”
However what about after that? What occurs after 2010?
Apparently, nobody can agree on this. So we hear individuals saying “twenty eleven” and different individuals saying “two thousand and eleven.” These individuals have extra vitality.
“However that’s mad! Does this proceed ceaselessly?” I can hear you asking.
The reply is “sure, it’s mad” and “luckily not.”
As a result of after we get again to 2020, we’re again to the previous system once more (“twenty twenty,” “twenty twenty-eight,” “twenty fifty-four,” and so forth.)
OK! You’ve made it to the tip! Congratulations! You rule!
You are actually a MASTER of claiming numbers in English!
However you’ll must do yet one more factor to actually soak up what you’ve discovered as we speak.
Take a look at these numbers — are you able to write them out in full?
- 188,198,023 m2
- $14.99
- 15:06 (with a good friend)
- 13.131313131313 …
- 4 ½ km
- -15°C
- 45 mph
- 2001
Write your solutions within the feedback!
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