Checking Up On Numbers

Depending on the type of writing you are doing, it is often appropriate to spell out certain numbers rather than use actual digits in your text. For instance, it is proper to write, "He ate seven biscuits," rather than "He ate 7 biscuits." If you want, you can configure Word's grammar checker to check for the proper use of spelled-out numbers rather than digits. To do so, follow these steps if you are using Word 2007:

1. Click the Office button and then click Word Options. Word displays the Word Options dialog box.
2. Click the Proofing option at the left side of the dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Click the Settings button. Word displays the Grammar Settings dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Scroll through the options list until you find the Numbers option. Make sure it is checked.
5. Click on OK to close the Grammar Settings dialog box.
6. Click on OK to close the Word Options dialog box.

If you are using an older version of Word, follow these steps instead:

1. Choose Options from the Tools menu. Word displays the Options dialog box.
2. Make sure the Spelling & Grammar tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Click on the Settings button. Word displays the Grammar Settings dialog box.
4. Scroll through the Grammar and Style Options list until you find the Numbers option. Make sure it is checked.
5. Click on OK to close the Grammar Settings dialog box.
6. Click on OK to close the Options dialog box.