Grammar question?

[StrawberryFair]

How should this be written?

Between two- to five million birds

Should it be "between two million and five million?" Or "two and five million?" Or even "two- and five-million?"

Can't quite figure it out! 

[melodys_angel]

Im not an english teacher but I think the first 2 would be right, using each depending on the context of the sentance. The first would be something more formal, the second not so much

Dont quote me though, thats just what it looks like to me^^

[kaoskat]

I agree with MA, but I can't swear to it either. *sits and waits for Evie*

[BrightSide]

I'm very fond of grammar, and I would be inclined to say that your original quotation of 'two to five million' sounds correct to me.

However, I'd otherwise go for the second option, the first is a mouthful and I do not think the dashes in the third are neccessary!!

[Sarahlacewing]

I'd vote for 'between two and five million birds'

[LeighAnnApanites]

I'm a copyeditor/proofreader for a living(ish), and I would write it as "between two and five million." "Between two million and five million," is correct, but that first "million" is unnecessary (unless you're talking about net worth!  ).

[kittybethy]

Good suggestions here!

[Griffin]

Don't "between two and five million" and "two to five million" have a similar meaning? So using "between" would make "to" (as in the original quote) redundant. I agree with the others, "between two and five million birds" sounds best to me in this context.

As far as I know, the hyphen is only needed if you use the numerals as a part of a compound noun, cf. "a five-year-old girl".

/ edit to fix a stupid grammar mistake 

[StrawberryFair]

Don't "between two and five million" and "two to five million" have a similar meaning? So using "between" would make "to" (as in the original quote) redundant.

Ahhhh, that's an interesting observation! Any other thoughts about "to" verses "and"?

As far as the phrasing itself, THANK YOU to everyone for helping! I agree that "two to five million" works best!

[Eviecorn]

You should use "between two and five million." "To" is a preposition and not a conjunction, which is needed to join the two items.

[StrawberryFair]

Thank you, Evie!