Forty Seven or Forty-Seven – Which is Correct?
one of the questions I frequently come across is whether to write “Fourty Seven” or “Forty-Seven.” Although this may seem like a trivial issue, mastering the correct usage of numbers is essential for clear and effective communication. In the case of the number 47, the correct written form is “Forty-Seven.” Let’s learn the reasons behind this choice and explore some examples to solidify our understanding.
The primary reason for using a hyphen between the tens digit and the units digit is to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in written expressions. When we use a hyphen, we are indicating that the numbers should be read as a single unit. Just like we write “twenty-three” instead of “twenty three” to signify that these two numbers are interconnected, “forty-seven” is the logical way to write 47.
Consider the following example: “I bought twenty eight thousand and seventy-nine chocolates.” This sentence without the hyphen might confuse the reader, who may interpret it as “I bought twenty-eight thousand chocolates and seventy-nine chocolates” rather than “I bought twenty-eight thousand and seventy-nine chocolates.”
To further illustrate the importance of using a hyphen, let’s think about the phrase “forty-seven-year-old.” By utilizing the hyphen, we convey that the phrase is referring to a person who is forty-seven years old, rather than describing a forty-year-old who has an association with the number seven. Clarity in writing is crucial to avoid any misunderstandings, and the correct usage of the hyphen assists greatly in achieving this goal.
Now that we understand the rationale behind using a hyphen in “Forty-Seven,” let’s explore some additional examples to solidify our understanding:
1. Forty-Seven Participants: When referring to a group of 47 individuals, it is essential to use the hyphen to convey that these participants should be counted as a whole and not as separate entities. “The conference had forty-seven participants from different countries.”
2. Forty-Seven Dollars: If you were to write a check for 47 dollars, it would be incorrect to use “Fourty Seven Dollars.” The correct form is “Forty-Seven Dollars.” This ensures that the correct amount is conveyed, without any room for misinterpretation.
3. Forty-Seven Percent: When discussing percentages, it is crucial to utilize the hyphen correctly to avoid confusion. “Forty-seven percent of the participants preferred option A.”
4. Forty-Seven Books: Suppose you are describing the number of books in your personal library. Writing “Fourty Seven Books” would not accurately convey the number of books you have. The correct way to express this is “Forty-Seven Books.”
By consistently using the hyphen in the number 47, we enable clear and unambiguous communication. When we write “Forty-Seven” with the hyphen, we signal that this number should be seen as a single unit, not two separate digits. This helps ensure clarity, precision, and effectiveness in our written expression.
In conclusion, the correct written form of the number 47 is “Forty-Seven.” By utilizing the hyphen between the tens digit and the units digit, we create a cohesive numerical expression that minimizes any potential confusion or misinterpretation. Embracing this simple yet important rule will help us become better communicators and enhance our overall mastery of the English language.