Numbers, Times, Dates and Locations

Numbers

cardinal numbers

Spell out whole numbers between zero and nine, use figures for 10 or above and whenever preceding a unit of measure or referring to ages of people, animals, events or things.

decimals

Carry decimals in a grade-point average to two digits: 3.50. When writing monetary figures, delete the ".00" unless the figure is aligned in a table with other figures.

figures of speech

Spell out numbers used in casual expressions. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

first word

Write out a number when it is the first word in a sentence: Twenty-one is the legal drinking age in the United States. Better yet, rewrite the sentence so that it doesn’t start with a number: The legal drinking age in the United States is 21.

ordinal numbers

Spell out first through ninth; use figures starting with 10th.

phone numbers

Format with hyphens, not parentheses or periods: 815-555-1234.

Times

credit hours

Use numbers in a list or table, spell out in copy (i.e., "You must be enrolled in six or more credit hours to be eligible …").

time

Correct time abbreviations are: a.m., p.m., noon and midnight. If the time is on the hour, it should be written as 1 p.m. (not 1:00 p.m.). If the time is on the half hour, it can be written as 1:30 p.m.

• In body copy, use the word "to" instead of a dash in all instances regardless of a.m./p.m. span: Office hours are 9 to 11 a.m. or Offer is only available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• In display copy or table copy, use of a dash is preferred in all instances: 9 — 11 a.m. or 9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

When using time in a table, use parallel construction.

In press releases, if the release is embargoed (to be held for publication for a future date), use military time (24-hour clock, not 12-hour) and ET for eastern time (e.g., Embargoed for Release, Jan. 15, 2020, 13:30 ET).

Dates

datelines

In press releases, indicate the location of where the story was reported. The city is written in all caps, followed by an abbreviation of the state and an em dash in the first paragraph (lead), (i.e., DEKALB, IL —).

dates

Capitalize the names of months in all uses. When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate only Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. (e.g., Feb. 4, 2020, was the best day).

Locations

locations

When giving campus addresses within narrative text, use the building name followed by the room number: Altgeld Hall 301. Building name and room number are not used in mailing addresses.

Use residence hall, not dormitory or dorm.

Spell out the names of campus buildings unless a key is provided. Do not use the two-character abbreviation found in the university telephone directory and the Schedule of Classes.

The Illinois Research and Development Corridor runs along the East-West Tollway (I-88). The Technology-Commerce Corridor is on the Northwest Tollway (I-90).