420 in Words

Reading or writing the numbers in the wrong order.

When children start learning about writing numbers in words, it is possible they may struggle with the sequence of numbers. So we need to stress the importance of the place values. Begin from the largest number to the smallest number. Example:

Incorrect: 4,225 = Four thousand twenty-two hundred and five

Correct: 4225 = Four thousand two hundred twenty-five.

Not placing digits in the correct place value order.

We must always ensure that the correct place value is used. A hyphen should be used to separate tens and ones in compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine. Example:

Incorrect: Forty three

Correct: Forty-three

Removing the zero when reading the words aloud

When reading numbers like 205 or 4001, students may sometimes assume that 0 needs to be omitted, which is incorrect. This will affect the pronunciation of the number. Make sure zero is included as part of the number’s place value. Example:

Incorrect: 205 (if we omit the zero we would read it as twenty-five)

Correct: 205 should be read as two hundred five

Confusing similar sounding words with each other and making spelling mistakes.

There are a few numbers that have very similar sounds. We must make sure that we are clear with the pronunciation of the number. We must also make sure that when writing the numbers in words, we avoid spelling mistakes.

Example: Fifty being mistaken as fifteen. 5000 being written as fifty thousand.

Overuse of the word ‘and’

Overusing the word ‘and’ is a very common mistake that a lot of children make. This is common, especially in larger numbers. Example:

Incorrect: 137 = One and hundred and thirty-seven

Correct: 137 = One hundred thirty-seven (notice the placement of ‘and’)

Reading or writing the numbers in the wrong order.

When children start learning about writing numbers in words, it is possible they may struggle with the sequence of numbers. So we need to stress the importance of the place values. Begin from the largest number to the smallest number. Example:

Incorrect: 4,225 = Four thousand twenty-two hundred and five

Correct: 4225 = Four thousand two hundred twenty-five.