English Numbers: Fractions and How to Say Them | B1

$Pizza with pepperoni, black olives, and fresh basil, cut into slices to illustrate the concept of fractions.$

A bite-size guide for learners of English.

In English, fraction names are typically formed by combining the numerator (top/left number) and the denominator (bottom/right number). Here's a brief guide on how to say them:

Simple Fractions:

Numerator: This is always expressed as a cardinal number. (one, two, three...)

Denominator: This is expressed as an ordinal number. (third, fifth, tenth...)

Examples:

2/5 "two fifth"

7/8 "seven eighth"

3/10 "three tenth"

You say the numerator, followed by the word "over," and then the denominator.

In this format, both the numerator and denominator are expressed as cardinal numbers.

Examples:

1/5: "one over five"

3/4: "three over four"

7/8: "seven over eight"

11/12: "eleven over twelve"

Special Fractions

Some fractions have special names, like

1/2: "a/one half"

1/3 "a/one third"

1/4 "a/one quarter"

3/4 "three quarters"

2/3 "two thirds"

Mixed numbers

For mixed numbers, you say the whole number part followed by "and" and then the fraction part. For example:

2 1/2: "two and a half"

3 3/4: "three and three quarters"

The Plural rule

When the denominator (bottom number) is plural (like "thirds" or "quarters"), it's because the numerator (top number) is greater than one. For example:

2/3: "two thirds" (numerator: 2)

3/4: "three quarters" (Numerator: 3)

Now learn how to say Decimal Numbers in English

Find out more about Expressing Ability in Past, Present and Future (Can, Able to, Could, Managed to ...)

Continue to the Intermediate Level English Language Resources