diff --git a/lisp/files.el b/lisp/files.el
index 1e44f43be1e..d0b7285fdb0 100644
--- a/lisp/files.el
+++ b/lisp/files.el
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ If nil, ask confirmation.  Any other value prevents any trimming."
 
 (defcustom kept-new-versions 2
   "Number of newest versions to keep when a new numbered backup is made.
-Includes the new backup.  Must be > 0"
+Includes the new backup.  Must be greater than 0."
   :type 'integer
   :group 'backup)
 (put 'kept-new-versions 'safe-local-variable 'integerp)