When it comes to the spelling of numbers, there is often confusion and doubt about which form is correct. One such example is the number 43 – is it written as “forty three” or “forty-three”? In order to understand which form is correct, we need to look at the rules of English grammar and examine some examples.
In English, compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine are usually hyphenated. This rule applies to both the written and spoken forms of the language. Therefore, when we write the number 43, it is correct to use a hyphen and write it as “forty-three”.
The hyphen serves a purpose in clarifying the meaning of the number. It helps to differentiate between a single number and a combination of two separate numbers. By using a hyphen, we indicate that “forty-three” is made up of the number 40 and the number 3, rather than one single number that happens to have two digits.
To further illustrate this, let’s take a look at some other examples of how compound numbers are spelled:
– Twenty-one: This is written with a hyphen to indicate that it consists of the number 20 and the number 1. Without the hyphen, the word “twentyone” could be interpreted as a single number.
– Seventy-six: Again, the hyphen helps clarify that this number is a combination of the number 70 and the number 6.
– Ninety-nine: In this case, the hyphen distinguishes between the number 90 and the number 9.
By consistently using hyphens in compound numbers, we maintain clarity and avoid any ambiguity in their meaning. It is worth noting that this rule applies to both formal and informal writing and is widely accepted in English grammar.
It is important to remember that the use of hyphens in compound numbers is specific to numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine. Numbers outside this range are not hyphenated, such as “one hundred” or “two thousand”. These numbers are not compound, as they consist of a single word or phrase to represent the entire figure.
In conclusion, the correct way to spell the number 43 is “forty-three”. The hyphen in compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine helps to clarify that the number is made up of two separate digits. By following this rule, we can ensure consistency and avoid any confusion or misunderstanding when communicating numeric information. So, next time you come across the number 43, remember to use a hyphen and write it as “forty-three”.