*confused* Numbers in text

[BrokenVag]

Having an argument with someone. When at school in the 90s I was taught that you spell out the first number in a document and then use numerals after that, e.g. Four athletes won 8 medals. They claim to have never heard of this. Am I going mad?

I learnt that you spelled out anything under 10 and then you could use numerals. So I would say four athletes won eight medals.

Looking at that I'm now doubting myself

I agree with Ginslinger. Even if she doesn't!

Gunslinger's assertion is the style adhered to by most publications. Numbers spelt put up to nine, and numerical thereafter, unless being used to start a sentence, in which case they are generally spelled out.

I also agree with Ginslinger. Four British athletes won eight medals, eight Swiss athletes won 18 medals.

Ginslinger is right, spell out anything under 10 and use numerals for anything above. Never heard of the other rule!

Hmmmm. Odd.

Would i be unreasonable to message my old English teacher on FB?

I might be your old English teacher Broken

(I;m not)

Spelled out not spelt put. Of all the places for autocorrect to kick in...

Exactly what ScienceRocks said.