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Old 06-May-2004, 15:22
Allthatjazznj
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Default Use of Percent Adjectivally

I am editing a humanities book and am writing out the word "percent" in percentages and, under 100, writing out the number. BUT...my question is, how should I punctuate the following:

"He is 100 percent accurate." Is the space between the 100 and the word "percent" hyphenated, as "He is 100-percent accurate." I can't find style guidance on this.

Thanks!
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Old 06-May-2004, 16:24
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I wouldn't hyphenate that. I might hyphenate an adjectival use:
He's a 100-percent player who gives his all.
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Old 06-May-2004, 21:06
Allthatjazznj
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Default Re: Use of Percent Adjectivally

Thanks. I won't hyphenate the phrase. In fact, of course it isn't an adjectival usage but, I suppose, an adverbial usage: "He is accurate 100 percent (of the time)."
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Old 06-May-2004, 22:33
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Default Re: Use of Percent Adjectivally

Quote:
Originally Posted by Allthatjazznj
I am editing a humanities book and am writing out the word "percent" in percentages and, under 100, writing out the number. BUT...my question is, how should I punctuate the following:

"He is 100 percent accurate." Is the space between the 100 and the word "percent" hyphenated, as "He is 100-percent accurate." I can't find style guidance on this.

Thanks!
I agree with TDOL, but 100 percent seems a bit informal to me. Wouldn't "completely" or "totally" suffice?
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Old 06-May-2004, 22:38
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I think it's adverbial. My favourite percentage is the one used by football commentators when they say a player gave 110%.
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