101 LearnersLast updated on July 4th, 2025
Counting In Words
Counting in words means expressing numbers using written words instead of numerals. It enhances daily life skills such as writing checks, reading prices, and filling forms. In this article, we will discuss counting in words.
What is Counting in Words
Counting in words means writing numbers in words, as we pronounce them in everyday life. Instead of using digits, we spell them out, such as “twenty-three” instead of 23 or “one hundred five” instead of 105. Counting in words helps children build a strong foundation in number order, whether they're counting forward or backward.
Counting numbers from 1 to 100
Counting in words from 1 to 100 involves writing each number in its word form. We start with ‘one’ and end with ‘one hundred’. The basic numbers used for learning this sequence include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine. Nine is the largest single-digit number, and ninety-nine is the largest two-digit number. Observe the chart given below to learn to count in words up to a hundred.
Counting Roman numerals in words
Counting Roman numerals in words helps in identifying the symbols such as I, V, L, C, D, and M, and their values in written form. For example, I is ‘one’, V is ‘five’, L is ‘fifty’. These days, Roman Numerals are commonly used in clocks, book chapters, movie titles, and historical events. Writing Roman numerals in words helps in understanding their sequence and value, such as XII (twelve), XXV (twenty-five), or LXXX (eighty).
What is Skip Counting in Words?
Skip counting in words means counting forward (or backward) by intervals other than one. It helps in recognizing number patterns, making calculations easier, and is widely used in multiplication, counting money, and grouping objects. For example, skip counting by 2s: two, four, six, eight… by 5s: five, ten, fifteen, twenty… and by 10s: ten, twenty, thirty…. This method enhances mental math skills and is essential for quick problem-solving in everyday situations.
Real-life applications of Counting in Words
In real life, counting in words is used for legal documents or large transactions in the bank. Here, we will be discussing the real life applications of counting in words -
Writing Checks and Financial Transactions:
To avoid fraudulent activities, mostly people write the amount both in words and figures in the banks. For example, “$1,250” in a check is also written as “One thousand two hundred fifty dollars.” It also prevents tampering, such as altering a digit to increase the value.
Legal Documents:
In legal documents, numbers are often written in words to prevent misinterpretation. For instance, when stating financial terms in a contract, a clause might read: "The purchase price shall be Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000)."
Numbering in Educational Systems:
Learning to count in words helps students understand place value, sequencing, and arithmetic operations.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Counting in Words
Students may make mistakes while counting in words. Hence, it is important to discuss common mistakes students make and the solutions to avoid them. Some of them are given below:
Mistake 1
Misplacing “and” in Large Numbers
Remember that we only use “and” to refer to cents. (e.g., one hundred twenty dollars and fifty cents).
Mistake 2
Incorrectly Writing Large Numbers
For showing the demarcation between the place values in large numbers, students often use commas, full stops or hyphens. The correct way to write 234,000 is two hundred thirty-four thousand.
Mistake 3
Incorrect Use of Hyphens
A hyphen is used for numbers from 21 to 99 when written in words. For example, 33 is written as thirty-three.
Mistake 4
Omitting Zero in Decimal Numbers
Each digit after the decimal should be read separately. Read out decimal digits separately rather than treating them as whole numbers.
Mistake 5
Spelling Errors in Number Words
Memorize common number spellings and review a number spelling chart if unsure.
For example, the spelling of the number 14 is fourteen. You can create a chart of numbers ending in ‘teen’ to help memorize their spelling.
Solved examples on Counting in Words
Problem 1
Write the number 7 in words.
Seven
Explanation
Recognize that 7 is a single-digit number.
The word form of 7 is seven.
Problem 2
Write the number 12 in words.
Twelve
Explanation
12 is a two-digit number.
Numbers from 10 to 19 have specific names.
The word for 12 is “twelve.”
Problem 3
Write the number 21 in words.
Twenty-one
Explanation
Split 21 into tens and units: 20 and 1.
The word for 20 is “twenty,” and for 1 is “one.”
Combine them using a hyphen for compound numbers.
Problem 4
Convert 45 to Words
Forty-five
Explanation
Split 45 into tens and units: 40 and 5.
The word for 40 is “forty” (note the spelling) and for 5 is “five.”
Combine them as “forty-five.”
Problem 5
Write the number 99 in words.
Ninety-nine
Explanation
Break down 99 into tens and units: 90 and 9.
The word for 90 is “ninety,” and for 9 is “nine.”
Write as “ninety-nine.”
FAQs on Counting in Words
1.What is counting in words?
2.How do you convert numbers to words?
3.Why is counting in words important?
4.How do you write larger numbers in words?
5.How are decimal numbers handled when counting in words?
6.How can children in Vietnam use numbers in everyday life to understand Counting In Words?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Vietnam can practice Counting In Words with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Counting In Words play in helping children in Vietnam develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Vietnam create number-rich environments to improve Counting In Words skills?
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About BrightChamps in Vietnam
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
