Writing numbers in English – Fractions and decimals

In English we say simple fractions like this:

• 1/5 – one fifth
• 2/7 – two sevenths
• 2/5 – two fifths
• 3/4 hour – three quarters of an hour
• 6/10 mile – six tenths of a mile

More complex fractions are usually expressed by using the word over.

• 317/509 – three hundred and seventeen over five hundred and nine

We write and say decimals like this:

• 0.276 – nought point two seven six (US Zero point two seven six) (NOT 0,276 – nought comma two seven six) (NOT 0.276 – nought point two hundred and seventy six)

Fractions and decimals below 1 are usually expressed with of a + singular noun

• three quarters of a ton (NOT three quarters of tons)
• 0.2765 m – nought point two seven six five of a meter

Note that decimals below 1 can also be followed by a plural noun.

• 0.2765 m – nought point two seven six five meters

Fractions and decimals over 1 are usually followed directly by a plural noun.

• two and a half hours (NOT two and a half hour)
• 1.7 meters (NOT 1.7 meter)

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