Hyphen in Spelled-Out Numbers and Fractions
The Hyphen
Rulebase Summary
Figures from twenty-one through ninety-nine are hyphenated when spelled out, such as at the beginning of a sentence. Fractions that are spelled out are also hyphenated (one-half, two-thirds). If the fraction is expressed with the word 'a' in front of it, do not use a hyphen (a half hour) unless the phrase is a compound modifier before a noun (a half-hour delay).
When the expression 'odd' or 'some-odd' appears within a vague number, use a hyphen (20-odd pages, 30 some-odd years). If 'some' comes before the numerical expression, no hyphen is used (some eighty dollars); if 'some' comes between or after the number, hyphenate (eighty-some dollars).
Examples
Forty two employees were present at the meeting.
Forty-two employees were present at the meeting.
Compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine are hyphenated when spelled out.
A. It was about 20 odd pages long.
A. It was about 20-odd pages long.
When 'odd' signals an approximate number, hyphenate it to the figure for clarity.
Style Guide References (4)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP