Examples and Tips
Example 2 - Table labels and quantities:
Table from The Independent newspaper
Before Plain Figures: | After Plain Figures: |
This example is reproduced for the purposes of criticism and / or review under Section 30(1) of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
The Plain Figures treatment improves the title, language and layout.
The original uses hours in the title, but counts minutes. Most people scratch their heads (figuring that 88 hours per week is over 11 per day) before they see the note at the bottom. Inconsistency (and mistakes) in language and measurement are surprisingly common.
The title is now correct. It no longer promises hours and delivers minutes. |
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The subtitle spells out the measurement in minutes. Definitions appear first thing, rather than hidden beneath the table. |
The lay out allows easier comparison between men and women. It also now refers to full- and part-time work, not the absurd full- and part-time men and women. |
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