Comments on: Saying dates and numbers in English

By: Clare

Clare — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:04:05 +0000

Five hundred and forty-one billion, three hundred and fifty-eight million, and six hundred and forty-one thousand.

By: hadi

hadi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:23:21 +0000

Hi Clare

How do you pronounce 541,358,641,000?
thanks for your help.

By: Clare

Clare — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:57:44 +0000

Thanks for your comment.
I think this is another one of those UK / US differences. In British English we put "and" to show fractions of hundreds / thousands. I can assure you there's no hint of illiteracy – it sounds strange to us to not put "and" in. In fact, saying something like "two thousand ten" for 2010 would probably make other people laugh at us for trying to sound "American"!

By: Sal

Sal — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:09:41 +0000

Saying "and" in a number denotes a decimal or a fraction. It is improper and inaccurate to read 455,365 as "four hundred and fifty-five thousand, three hundred and sixty-five" is painful to my ears and hints of illiteracy. You read 455, 365 as "four hundred fifty-five thousand, three hundred sixty-five" if you want to be accurate, proper, and sound educated.

The year 2010 is "Two thousand ten."

By: Clare

Clare — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:45:23 +0000

I'd say "two thousand and ten" but not "twenty ten". I'm not sure for the next century – maybe "twenty one thirty" as the alternative just sounds too long.