Screenwriting : Numbers in dialogue by Donnalyn Vojta

Donnalyn Vojta

Numbers in dialogue

FYI - If you're wondering whether to use digits or spelled-out numbers in Dialogue sections, the answer is to spell them out.

Otherwise, general grammar rules apply to action/description sections. Happy writing, all!

David Abrookin

Thanks for the helpful reminder, Donnalyn Vojta!

Maurice Vaughan

I agree, Donnalyn Vojta. I try to always use spelled-out numbers in dialogue. It's easier for the reader to see spelled-out numbers than digits.

Craig D Griffiths

I spell it out so I have control how it is said.

“a million dollars” vs “one million dollars”.

Ty Strange

Two exceptions that I've seen are years and names that contain numbers. No need to write them out. Just write, "Stage32 has been around since 2011."

Donnalyn Vojta

Ty, yes! True on both... Glad you pointed that out.

Ty Strange

Good point, Dan Guardino. Imagine writing dialogue for Sheldon Cooper if he were to brag about the number of decimals of Pi he could recite.

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