Learn English – 1D vs. one-dimensional vs. 1-dimensional

adjectiveshyphenationorthography

In much of the scientific literature, the words 1D, one-dimensional, 1-dimensional, and 1-D occur frequently. Which of these is the best practice? Are there general principles for deciding which is the best format of these types

Best Answer

I was taught to write out numbers in formal writing, so I would tend towards "one-dimensional". I don't have a good source with me to look this up, but the first search result to grammarbook.com says to

Spell out single-digit whole numbers. Use numerals for numbers greater than nine.

Examples:

I want five copies.

I want 10 copies.

This rule is actually contrary to what I learned, though, as I was told to write out all numbers.

However, it is widely accepted to forgo this rule in scientific, mathematical, and similar writings and simply use numberals instead, since they tend to contain calculations, measurements, formulas, etc. As FumbleFingers recommended, you should observe what other similar resources use.

Related Topic