Incomplete and Indefinite Numbers
Numbers
Rulebase Summary
When a number is incomplete (the speaker is cut off or trails off before finishing), put the partial number in figures and use a hyphen to show that more digits were expected.
When a number is made indefinite by words like some, something, or odd, hyphenate these words to the number whether it is in words or figures.
When a number is preceded by words like approximately, close to, or nearly, simply follow the standard rules for formatting the number — those qualifying words do not change whether you use figures or words.
Examples
A. The price was somewhere around 500 dollars.
A. The price was somewhere around 500-.
Speaker trailed off before completing the number — hyphen shows it is incomplete.
A. There were 70 some people at the event.
A. There were 70-some people at the event.
Indefinite number with some — hyphenate to the figure.
A. I would say it was roughly fifty odd days.
A. I would say it was roughly fifty-odd days.
Indefinite number with odd — hyphenate whether in words or figures.
Transcript Notes
Incomplete numbers arise frequently in testimony when a speaker is interrupted or changes direction mid-number. The hyphen signals to the reader that the number is not complete as stated. Indefinite number expressions are common in casual testimony and deposition answers where witnesses give rough estimates.
Style Guide References (3)
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP