... expect.The problem arises in straightforwardprose (an essay, perhaps, or a short story or a letter).The rule of thumb is that small numbersare written as words and large numbersare written as ... waiter127nucleus (singular) nuclei (plural)SeeFOREIGN PLURALS.nuisancenumber SeeSINGULAR OR PLURAL?.numbers Should numbers be written in figures or inwords? In mathematical, scientific,technical ... off of the bus. Jump off the bus.official or officious? OFFICIAL = authorised, formalan OFFICIAL visitan OFFICIAL invitationOFFICIOUS = fussy, self-important,interferingan OFFICIOUS secretaryan...