Fractions and Decimals

How to say fractions in English

We use both cardinal and ordinal numbers to create fractions. The numerator (the numeral above the line) is always a cardinal number. The denominator (the numeral below the line) is always an ordinal number.

Exceptions:

Numerators greater than one

When a numerator is greater than one, the denominator is plural (we add an s).

Writing fractions in English

Fractions can be written in two different ways:

• There is a slash bewteen the two numerals.
  

  Example:

  2/5 – two fifths
  7/3 – seven thirds

• The numerals are written on top of each other and are separated by a horizontal line. (this variant is mostly used in mathmateics)
  

  Example:

  – two fifths

  – seven thirds

Decimals

Decimal numbers are written with a decimal point. The digits after the decimal point are said separately.

Example:

0.135 – nought point one three five (US: zero point one three five)

3.14159 – three point one four one five nine

Singular and plural with fractions and decimals

If we want to say exactly what the fraction or decimal refers to and the value is less than one, we use the contruction of a + singuar noun. (except for 1/2, see last example)

Example:

3/4 T → three quarters of a ton

2/3 km → two thirds of a kilometre

0.743 cm → nought point seven four three of a centimetre

1/2 l → half a litre (not: one half of a litre)

If the value of the fraction or decimal is greater than one, the numeral is followed directly by a plural noun.

Example:

one and a half hours

three and a quarter kilos

2.5 millimetres