One, Two, 10, 11.....

[EvianBaby]

This may reveal my utter stupidity but can someone tell me, when you write numbers, why are numbers one to nine written as words and 10 and above written with numbers?

[lankeela]

I have always used spelling for numbers as that is how I was taught at school. I don't suppose anyone actually notices though!

[somersetb]

At secretarial college, we were taught the proper way was to always spell out one through nine and to use numbers from 10 and up - but only when using the numbers in a letter or report. No reason was given, but you failed your assignment if you didn't follow that rule. 30 years later, I still abide by it!

[lyall]

Depends what I’m putting the numbers in. If it’s personal letter say then I use numerals i.e. 1, 2, 3, but if it’s academic or something that needs to be crystal clear then I write the numbers one, two, three.