 Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:21 pm The use of "#" |
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I've only seen the sign # for number used by Americans. As to its use in a formal context, let's wait for someone else's opinion.
Personally, and as I've been taught, I try not to use abbreviations in formal writing.
I'd write:
Sentence number/no. 6.
Sentences number/no. 5 and 6 (though the plural 'numbers/nos.' is used too). |
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Conchita
Language Coach
Joined: 26 Dec 2005
Posts: 2702
Location: Madrid, Spain
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| Fri Dec 29, 2006 18:48 pm The use of "#" |
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| Tom wrote: | 1- Sentence # 6 is incorrect.
2- Sentence no: 6 is incorrect.
3 -Sentences numbers 5 and 6 are incorrect.
4- Sentences #s 5 and 6 are incorrect. |
Of the sentences above, only numbers 1 and number 3 are correct. Frequently you can abbreviate "number" as "No." and say, "Sentence No. 6 is incorrect." I wouldn't put a plural S after those hash marks.
The Gregg Reference Manual is a very complete, very useful book, and everyone who has to write a lot should have it (or something like it). Here is what it says about these abbreviations:
| Quote: | If the term number precedes a figure, express it as an abbreviation (singular: No.; plural: Nos.). At the beginning of a sentence, however, spell out Number to prevent misreading.
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If an identifying noun precedes the figure (such as Invoice, Check, Room, Box, or the like), the abbreviation No. is usually unnecessary.
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The symbol # may be used on business forms (such as invoices) and in technical matter. |
Based on this, you could just write, "Sentence 6 is incorrect," and, "Sentences 5 and 6 are incorrect."
By the way, there is a town in my area that used to be called Pekin Township, after the Chinese capital Beijing. However, now the name of the town is Novi, pronounced [nouvai]. It got that name because it was the sixth stop on the interurban railway, and the sign at the station said "No. VI". |
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Jamie (K)
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 24 Feb 2006
Posts: 4216
Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA
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