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b)In the spoken forms of vulgar fractions (in common use; generally prevalent), the versions “a half ½ /a quarter ¼ /a third 1/3” are preferred to “one half/one quarter/one third” whether the measurement is approximate or precise. With more obviously precise fractions like 1/8,

1/16: “one eight”, “one sixteenth” is normal.

c)In collective numbers:

“6” – is “a half dozen” or half a dozen “12” – is “a dozen” or one dozen “20” – is “a score” or one score

“24” – is “two dozen” and not two dozens

2. Mathematical Expressions

Below are some of the more common symbols and expressions used in mathematics and statistics where the first one is more formal and the second less:

“+ ” – plus or and;

“– “ – minus or take away;

“x ” – (is) multiplied by or times;

“: “ – (is) divided by;

“= ” – is equal to or equals;

“< ” – is less than;

“> ” – is more than;

“% ” – per cent

3. Computer numbers

Cheque books, business accounts have long strings of numerals. If such a number has to be read aloud, the numerals are spoke as separate digits. Doubled numerals may be read separately or “66” as “double six”. For example, “05216472” is, oh, five/two, one/six, four/seven, two. “0” can also be read as “zero” (formal).

4. Measurements

Traditionally GB and US measurements have been made in inches, feet, yards, miles but there is now a move towards the metric system of millimeters, metres, kilometers.

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Height/Depth

5. Measurements (Human)

Height: Note that “tall”, not “high” is used.

Word-building

1) nouns (Verb + -tion = noun) -ation

to educate – to inform – to promote – to quality – to produce –

2) nouns (Verb + -ment = noun)

to entertain – to pay –