Explanations:In formal writing, there are specific rules for when to spell out numbers and when to use numerals. The rule in question pertains to the length of the number when written out in words. If the number can be written in two words or less, it should be spelled out. For example, "one," "two," "three," "four," "five," "six," "seven," "eight," "nine," "ten," "eleven," "twelve," "thirteen," "fourteen," "fifteen," "sixteen," "seventeen," "eighteen," "nineteen," "twenty," "thirty," "forty," "fifty," "sixty," "seventy," "eighty," and "ninety" are all spelled out because they are two words or less.
However, if the number requires three or more words to be written out, it should be written as a numeral. For example, "twenty-one," "twenty-two," "twenty-three," and so on, are written as numerals (21, 22, 23, etc.). This rule applies to larger numbers as well, such as "one hundred," "one thousand," "one million," and so forth, which are all written as numerals (100, 1,000, 1,000,000, etc.).
The purpose of this rule is to maintain clarity and readability in written text. Spelling out numbers that are two words or less makes the text easier to read and understand, while using numerals for longer numbers helps to avoid cumbersome and potentially confusing phrases. This rule is widely accepted in formal writing, including academic papers, professional documents, and standardized tests.
It is important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, numbers at the beginning of a sentence should always be spelled out, regardless of their length. Additionally, in some contexts, such as technical writing or scientific papers, the use of numerals may be preferred for all numbers to maintain consistency and precision.
Understanding and applying this rule correctly is crucial for effective communication in formal writing. It ensures that the text is clear, consistent, and adheres to standard conventions of English language usage.