Question: Numbers in an essay - toughie

[youppi]

Okay, I have these sentences:

"The greater point to note is that I am a part-time employee, one who does not work a 40 hour week. Within the top 10 percent in the second quarter, only five other individuals out of thirty-one are part-time employees."

I know the rule is if it is over 10 you leave the number, under 10, you spell it out. My question is about the five out of thirty-one, should I leave it like that or have it "five out of 31"? thanks

 

[BigJ]

Since you're a Bret Hart fan:

http://www.grammarbook.com/numbers/numbers.asp

 

[imported_LoKe]

five out of thirty-one.

 

[CPA]

N/M, I thought this was some riddle, then realized you were asking a grammatical question. Man, I need more sleep.

 

[Regs]

What kind of Nazi English teacher did you have? If one is spelt out, then so should the other. If one is numerical, then so should the other. That's the way I've always seen it. IMO it's easier for both the reader (or what your Nazi English teacher may call an audience) and for the writer.

 

[Dirigible]

I give this thread a gold star.

 

[imported_Baloo]

Don't mix and match, as in the example in your question, "five out of 31." Keep it consistent. If the sentence begins with a number, no matter what number, spell it out. Anywhere else, either can be used, but keep it consistent. Numbers would make it easier to read, though.