Ages — Figures or Words
Numbers
Rulebase Summary
Ages may be spelled out or written as figures. Because ages frequently carry legal or factual significance in testimony, figures are generally preferred for clarity and consistency.
Examples
A. My daughter was just four years old at the time of the accident.
A. My daughter was just 4 years old at the time of the accident.
Because ages often carry factual significance, figures are generally preferred.
Q. How old were you then?
A. 12.
Q. How old were you then?
A. Twelve.
When the age is the only word in the answer, spelling it out is preferable.
Transcript Notes
Ages may be spelled out or written as figures. Since most ages are significant references in court testimony, the use of figures by the court reporter is generally preferred (I will be 56; she was 21 at the time of the accident). Exception: when the age is given as the only words in response to questions like 'How old are you?' or 'How old were you then?', words are preferable (Q: How old is John? A: Eighteen.).
Style Guide References (1)
Morson's