Page 169 - Basic English Usage
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Other structures
It is not always easy to know whether to use the noun + noun structure
(for example the chair back), the of structure (for example the back of
his head) or the possessive structure (for example John’s back). The
rules are very complicated: experience will tell you which is the correct
structure in a particular case.
227 numbers
Fractions
We say fractions like this:
$ oneeighth 4 three sevenths
£ two fifths tt eleven sixteenths
We normally use a singular verb after fractions below 1.
Three quarters of a ton is too much.
We use a plural noun with fractions and decimals over 1.
one and a half hours (NOT ere anda thattheur)
1-3 millimetres (NOT +3mitimetre)
Decimals
We say decimal fractions like this:
0-125 nought point one two five
one
twe-tive)
(NOT 0425—neughteommea
3-7 three point seven
nought, zero, niletc
The figure 0 is usually called nought in British English, and zero in
American English.
When we Say numbers one figure at a time, 0 is often called oh (like the
letter Q).
My account number is four one three oh six.
In measurements of temperature, 0 is called zero.
Zero degrees Centigrade is thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
Zero scores in team games are called ni/ (American zero).
Zero in tennis and similar games is called /ove.
Telephone numbers
We say each figure separately. When the same figure comes twice, we
usuaily say double (British English only).
307 4922 three oh seven four rine double two.