Greetings, communicators!

These monthly University of Oregon Editorial Style Guide quick tips help ensure your communications follow UO editorial style.

Now, a question about “number” and, well, numbers . . .

Who’s No. 1? The Ducks are No. 1!

Ever wonder whether, in this context, “number” should be written as “number one,” or “no. 1,” or “No. 1,” or even “#1”?

Our guide, the Chicago Manual of Style, doesn’t appear to answer this but notes where there is no specific ruling, follow common usage. This often means checking Merriam-Webster, our dictionary, which notes that in this context, number one is often written No. 1.

Speaking of numbers . . . 

In nontechnical contexts, the manual’s general rule is to spell out whole numbers from zero through one hundred and certain round multiples of those numbers: Thirty-two children from eleven families were packed into eight vintage Beetles. According to a recent appraisal, my house is 103 years old. Some forty-seven thousand persons attended the fair.

There are scores of exceptions, of course, so consider bookmarking that page. In fact, the manual also includes an alternative rule: spell out zero through nine and use numerals for all others.

Send an email on these questions—or any other editorial-style stumpers—to editor Matt Cooper, University Communications.