above average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "above average" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when comparing one thing to another, where one thing is of higher quality or a greater amount than the average for its group. For example: "The student scored above average on the English test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Above average.

Independent

"Well above average.

The New Yorker

gets treated as above average.

The New Yorker

He's above average in that".

The New Yorker

It's above average".

The New Yorker

Above average in many cases.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Voter registration is above-average.

The New York Times

The above-average sea views cost well above average, however.

The Guardian

He's got above-average range.

The New York Times - Sports

He has radicalized the above-average.

The New Yorker

Robert says they are above-average students.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "above average", provide a specific context or reference point to clarify what the average is being compared to. This adds clarity and precision to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "above average" without specifying the group or standard being referenced. Saying something is "above average" without context can be vague and meaningless. Be sure that the noun is comparable with something quantifiable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above average" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a quality or characteristic that is better than the typical or expected level. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct to use. The phrase acts as a descriptive term, signifying superiority in a specific context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "above average" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that surpasses the typical or expected level. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its primary function is as an adjective phrase, conveying a positive assessment. While versatile across registers, it is frequently found in news, wiki, and science contexts. When using "above average", ensure clarity by providing a specific reference point for comparison and be aware of the nuance between it and alternatives like "better than average" or "superior to the norm".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better than average

Replaces "above" with "better", maintaining the comparison to the average.

superior to the norm

Uses "superior" to indicate a higher quality compared to the typical standard.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing what is typically anticipated.

higher than the median

Replaces "average" with "median", a different statistical measure of central tendency.

outperforming the mean

Emphasizes a performance aspect that surpasses the average.

above par

Uses a golfing term to indicate something is better than expected or standard.

first-rate

Implies top quality, surpassing typical standards.

top-tier

Indicates belonging to the highest level or rank.

exceptional

Highlights something that is significantly better than the average.

remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and superiority compared to what is common.

FAQs

How can I use "above average" in a sentence?

Use "above average" to describe something that exceeds the norm. For example: "His test scores were "above average" compared to his classmates".

What is a good alternative to "above average"?

Alternatives include "better than average", "superior to the norm", or "exceeding expectations". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "well above average"?

While "above average" already implies exceeding the norm, "well above average" emphasizes a significantly greater degree of difference from the average. It's a matter of emphasis.

What's the difference between "above average" and "above average"?

There's no difference. "Above average" is the correct phrase to use.