Numbers
Numerical Expressions
Decimals
Read decimals by expressing the number before the point, followed by the word 'point' and each individual number.
Example:
The interest rate on a business loan at the merchant bank is 8.5%.
The interest rate on his cash advance was 16.99.
Percentages
Read percentages by expressing the percentage followed by the word 'percent'.
Example:
The accrued revenue is only 75% versus last year.
The accrued revenue is overstated by 14%.
Fractions
Read the top fraction followed by the number + 's'
Today only 10/12 of my clients showed up for their appointments.
The gross yield is 3/5 of last year's.
NOTE: 1/4 =>one quarter, 2/3 => two thirds, 1/2 one half
Number Expressions
These expressions are used with numerical expressions:
Speed -- 100 mph
Weight -- 80 kg
Telephone number -- 0171 895 7056
Decimal -- .087
Date -- 12/04/65
Percentage -- 75%
Temperature -- 28° C
Height -- 1 m 89 cm
Price -- $60
Fraction -- 8/13
Score -- 2-1
Showing Growth or Decline
Useful Verbs
rise
increase
go up by X %.
Example:
Our interest rate rose another percent.
The year-end inventory increased fifteen percent from last year.
decline
decrease
go down
Example:
As we move into the next quarter, our net yield might decrease.
The fees declined last month much to our mutual benefit.
Useful Adverbs
Increase / Decrease
sharply
dramatically.
steadily.
slowly.
rapidly.
haltingly.
Example:
The average stock dividend amount has declined sharply over the last two years.
Short-term debt rose sharply last month.