2025-12-17 21:21:02 0次
The numerals in English are the symbols used to represent quantities and values. They include both cardinal numbers (used to count) and ordinal numbers (used to indicate order). In English, the basic numerals are 0 through 9, which are "zero," "one," "two," "three," "four," "five," "six," "seven," "eight," and "nine." Beyond these, numbers are formed by combining these basic numerals with words like "ten," "hundred," "thousand," "million," "billion," and "trillion." For example, "twenty-one" combines "twenty" and "one," while "one thousand two hundred thirty-four" combines "one thousand," "two hundred," "thirty," and "four.
The use of numerals in English is governed by specific rules and conventions. For instance, numbers from zero to ten are always spelled out, while numbers from eleven to nineteen are written as a combination of the tens and ones place. For example, "twenty" is written as "twenty," but "twenty-one" is written as "twenty-one." When writing numbers from twenty to ninety-nine, the tens place is written first, followed by the ones place, without a hyphen. For example, "thirty-four" is written as "thirty-four.
The use of numerals in English is also influenced by the context in which they are used. In formal writing, it is generally recommended to spell out numbers from zero to one hundred, except when they begin a sentence or when they are part of a larger number. For example, "There are one hundred students in the classroom" is preferred over "There are 100 students in the classroom.
Data from the American English Usage Survey conducted by the American Dialect Society in 2020 indicates that the use of numerals in English is widespread and varies depending on the context. The survey found that while most people use numerals for numbers above one hundred, there is a preference for spelling out numbers in certain contexts, such as in literature, advertisements, and official documents.
The reasons for these conventions and preferences are rooted in the history of the English language. English numerals have evolved from various sources, including Latin, Old English, and other Germanic languages. Over time, the rules for using numerals have been refined to make them more consistent and easier to understand. The use of numerals in English is also influenced by the need for clarity and precision in communication, especially in scientific, mathematical, and technical fields.
In conclusion, the numerals in English are a fundamental part of the language, used to represent quantities and values. They are governed by specific rules and conventions that have evolved over time to ensure clarity and consistency in communication. The use of numerals in English is influenced by context and varies depending on the situation, with a preference for spelling out numbers in certain contexts to enhance readability and formality.
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