Write numbers as digits. They are easier for readers to notice on a page. This is especially helpful for readers with lower literacy.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also better for online content where readers skim and the numbers will stand out more.<\/p>\n
Write:<\/span><\/strong> It can take as long as 6 months to get a work permit.<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> It can take as long as six months to get a work permit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Exceptions: Write:<\/span><\/strong> Two witnesses signed the document.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> 2 witnesses signed the document.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s often best to spell out \u201cone\u201d. Using the numeral \u201c1\u201d can look too much like the letter \u201cI\u201d and could confuse your reader.<\/p>\n Sometimes \u201ctwo\u201d rather than \u201c2\u201d will be easier for the reader to understand the sentence.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> Ontario Works might say that the two of you are still a couple.\u00a0<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> If you agree to it, you get two 15-minute breaks instead of one 30-minute break.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> The two of you have 2 options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n A more common style is to spell out numbers up to nine and use numerals for 10 and above. You may decide to adopt this style if you think it\u2019s better suited to your readers or the type of information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Avoid the traditional legal approach of writing every number twice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Write:<\/span><\/strong> The sentence was 9 years.<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> The sentence was nine (9) years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Include commas<\/strong> in numbers over 1,000.<\/p>\n Write:<\/span><\/strong> 1,000 or 12,000\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> 1000 or 12000<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Use \u201cto\u201d for number ranges<\/strong>, not a hyphen.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> You must have at least 420 to 700 insurable hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If your information has a lot of numbers, you may want to present them visually using a table or chart. Readers will find it easier to pick out what applies to them.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> In Your rights at work<\/strong>, see the minimum wage chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> The February 2023 edition of On the Radar uses a chart to compare new and old court fees<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When explaining to the reader how to figure out or calculate an amount, it\u2019s helpful to present this in more than one way.<\/p>\n Explain the general rule and give an example. Then, if possible, show the calculation visually or using a diagram.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> Can I work and get ODSP?<\/a> describes how to figure out what ODSP will take from someone\u2019s benefits based on what they earn from working. Then this is presented in a chart.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> We\u2019re married. How do we divide our property and debts if we separate or divorce?<\/a> describes how to calculate net family property and then shows the calculations in 2 charts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Use the % sign rather than spelling out percent. For example, say 10% rather than 10 percent.<\/p>\n The concept of percentage is complex. And it will be challenging for some readers.<\/p>\n Instead of 50%, say half, if you think your readers will understand that better. Or say 6 out of 10, rather than 60%.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re using a percentage, explain it with an example.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> The car repair shop can charge you up to 10% more than their written estimate. For example, if the estimate was for $1,000, the final repair bill could be up to $1,100. But it cannot be more than that.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Write dates out in full to avoid confusion.<\/p>\n Do not use abbreviations for months, like Jan. for January.<\/p>\n Do not use ordinal numbers like March 15th<\/sup>. Leave out the \u201cth\u201d.<\/p>\n Write:<\/span><\/strong> January 1, 2017<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> 01\/01\/2017 or<\/strong> Jan. 1, 2017, or <\/strong>January 1st<\/sup>, 2017<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When listing the month and year, do not put a comma Write:<\/span><\/strong> January 2017<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> January, 2017<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When a full date appears in a phrase or sentence, follow it with a comma.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> The rule applies only to child support payments that you owed on January 1, 2017, or after that date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When you include the day of the week in a full date, always put a comma after the day.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> The hearing is on Tuesday, July 14, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When writing about time, choose the clearest style for your reader. For example, to avoid confusion, use the words \u201cnoon\u201d or \u201cmidnight\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n Remember that the 12-hour clock is more common in Canada.<\/p>\n Write:<\/span><\/strong> 5 p.m.<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> 1700 hours<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When giving a specific time, be as concise as possible. Use 7\u00a0a.m. rather than 7:00 a.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Write:<\/span><\/strong> a.m. and p.m.<\/p>\n Not:<\/span><\/strong> am and pm<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Always indicate whether the hour is a.m. or p.m.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> Collection agencies can contact you only at certain times. These are:<\/p>\n You can also use terms like morning, afternoon, and night.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> Collection agencies can contact you only at certain times. These are:<\/p>\n Do not put brackets around the area code. Put hyphens between numbers.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> 416-555-1111<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Include an option for readers with hearing loss when it\u2019s available, such as a TTY number.<\/p>\n Use toll-free options, unless there\u2019s a reason to include a local number.<\/p>\n In our printed public legal information, when listing one or 2 phone numbers, put them in the text and make them bold<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> To order these publications, visit cleo.on.ca<\/strong> or call 416-408-4420<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong> To find your local clinic, visit legalaid.on.ca\/legal-clinics<\/strong> or call 1-800-668-8258<\/strong>. For TTY, call 711<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Make sure the full phone number appears on one line.<\/p>\n For 3 phone numbers or more, consider putting them in a list. But only if you have space.<\/p>\n Example:<\/span><\/strong>
<\/strong>Spell out numbers at the beginning of a sentence.<\/p>\nDo not repeat numbers<\/h2>\n
Commas<\/h2>\n
Ranges<\/h2>\n
Present numbers visually<\/h2>\n
Show calculations<\/h2>\n
Percentages<\/h2>\n
Use %<\/h3>\n
Consider other options<\/h3>\n
Dates<\/h2>\n
between them.<\/p>\nTime<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Phone numbers<\/h2>\n
Overview<\/h3>\n
Print information<\/h3>\n
Toll-free:<\/strong> 1-800-668-8258
Fax: <\/strong>1-705-633-9222
TTY:<\/strong> 711<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-58837","publications-page","type-publications-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n