Reading this number

Question

How do I read this number 879005?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

What kind of number is it  (serial number, a quantity, etc.)?

ILE · Answer

Hi Mr. Micawber, could you please allow me to add my two cents on this?

In math, 879005 (usually written as 879,005) is pronounced as eight hundred seventy-nine thousand, five. Note that this is pronounced without the word "and".

However, sometimes you'll hear people say, e.g. 705 as seven hundred "and" five but techically that would not be correct.

"And" is used to include decimal points, so we shouldn't use "and" when we say whole number. (In our case, 879005 is a whole number.)

Does this help?

Isabelle

Mister Micawber · Answer

You can put in your 2 cents, but I'll have to disagree with most of it—and you have not let the original poster respond as I asked. The number could well be a license number or serial number, for which your suggestions (and my corrections below) do not apply at all.

In math, 879005 (usually written as 879,005) is pronounced as eight hundred seventy-nine thousand, five. Note that this is pronounced without the word "and". -- No; in this situation (2 preceding zeros), most native speakers insert a particularly long 'and'.

However, sometimes you'll hear people say, e.g. 705 as seven hundred "and" five but techically that would not be correct.-- Technically, it is quite correct and much more natural than omitting it.

"And" is used to include decimal points, so we shouldn't use "and" when we say whole number. (In our case, 879005 is a whole number.)-- 'And' is specifically NOT used with decimal points. The decimal point is read as 'point' and all digits following it are read individually. For instance:

135.067 is read 'one hundred and thirty-five point zero/oh six seven.'

Anonymous · Answer

135.067 is read 'one hundred and thirty-five point zero/oh six seven.'

This depends on the situation. It is also correct to read the number as "one hundred thirty-five and sixty-seven thousandths."

ILE · Answer

Mister Micawber... you have not let the original poster respond as I asked. The number could well be a license number or serial number, for which your suggestions (and my corrections below) do not apply at all.

I'm sorry Mr. Micawber. The moment I read your reply, I know I've committed a sophomoric act. Please accept my sincere apology.

Nonetheless, your point of views did give me a new insight on how native speakers read those numbers in everyday English.

Sadly in mathematics, if I read it that way, I will receive comment such as "Need I say more?" from others.

And you're right. The number could well be a license number or serial number, for which your suggestions (and my corrections below) do not apply at all.

I'm sorry.

Isabelle

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