Yes, you can use numbers in an essay written in MLA style, but there are specific guidelines that determine when to spell them out and when to use numerals. Adhering to these rules ensures clarity and consistency in your academic writing.
Understanding MLA Number Guidelines
MLA (Modern Language Association) style provides clear instructions for using numbers in your text. The general principle is to prioritize readability and conciseness, spelling out simpler numbers and using numerals for more complex ones or when conventional formatting requires it.
When to Spell Out Numbers
You should typically spell out numbers that can be expressed in one or two words. This applies to whole numbers and rounded figures.
- Examples:
- Three students attended the lecture.
- The project was completed in fifteen days.
- Approximately seventy-six percent of the population voted.
- The discovery occurred one thousand years ago.
- The company reported profits of twelve billion dollars.
When to Use Numerals
Numerals should be used for numbers that cannot be easily written in one or two words, or for precise data, measurements, and other specific contexts.
- Examples:
- The recipe calls for 2¾ cups of flour.
- The building stands 584 feet tall.
- The library holds 1,001 rare books.
- The estimated cost is $25,000,000.
General Principles and Specific Contexts
To help clarify when to spell out numbers versus using numerals, consider the following table:
| Rule | When to Use | Spell Out Examples | Use Numerals Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| One or Two Words | Numbers that can be written out simply. | five, twenty-two, seventy-five, nine hundred, one million | N/A |
| Other Numbers | Numbers requiring more than two words, fractions, decimals, or precise data. | N/A | 3.14, 256, 1,234, 15,000,000 |
Specific Contexts (Common Practice in MLA)
Even if a number could technically be spelled out, numerals are often preferred for clarity and convention in various specific contexts:
- Dates: Always use numerals for specific years (e.g., December 25, 2023).
- Times: Use numerals with a.m. or p.m. (e.g., 3:00 p.m., 9:45 a.m.).
- Percentages: Always use numerals followed by the percent symbol (e.g., 50%, 7.5%).
- Page Numbers: Always use numerals (e.g., p. 12, pp. 45-48).
- Measurements: Use numerals when specifying exact quantities with units (e.g., 5 feet, 10 inches; 100 meters; 2.5 liters).
- Scores and Statistics: Use numerals for data points, scores, and specific statistics (e.g., a 3-2 victory, an average of 1.5).
- Large Numbers with Symbols: When using currency symbols, large numbers are typically numerical (e.g., $100, €500).
Ensuring Clarity and Consistency
The most important rule in using numbers in your MLA essay is to maintain consistency. Once you establish a pattern, stick to it throughout your writing. If you have a series of numbers, some of which should be spelled out and some that should be numerals, it's often best to make them all consistent if they relate to the same category for better readability. For more detailed guidelines and specific scenarios, always consult the official MLA Style Center.
