an average rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an average rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a typical or mean value of a certain measurement or quantity over a specified period or context. Example: "The study found that the average rate of growth for the plants was significantly higher in the summer months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Complications were predominately minor with an average rate of 12.5%.

Urology

Six-month bills were sold at an average rate of 7.70percentt, compared with an average rate of 7.77percentt a week ago.

The New York Times

That compares with an average rate of 2.25percentt over the last five years.

The New York Times

I'd been moving up at an average rate of about 500 a year for 22 years.

The New York Times - Sports

There have been 38 offers at an average rate of around 8%.

The Guardian - Tech

Consequently, the economy grew at an average rate of 6% between 1921 and 1929".

The Guardian

In the second half of the 1980s, Japan was growing at an average rate of 5%.

The Guardian - Business

In the last decade, tourism receipts grew at an average rate of 28%.

The Guardian

In all the UK has committed €7bn - €3.2bn is charged at an average rate of 5.8%.

The Guardian - Business

Botswana's economy has grown at an average rate of 7percentt over the past 20 years.

Columbia University

It is constantly growing at an average rate of 6.9percentt each year.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an average rate", always specify the period or context over which the rate is averaged to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "an average annual rate" or "an average rate for Q3".

Common error

Avoid using "an average rate" without specifying the group, time period, or conditions under which the average was calculated. Without this context, the statement lacks specific meaning and can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an average rate" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It quantifies a typical value over a specific period or within a specific context. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an average rate" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a typical value over a specific period or context. According to Ludwig, its frequency is very high, and its usage spans across news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide adequate context to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "typical rate" or "mean rate" exist, "an average rate" remains a widely accepted and understood expression in both formal and informal communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is readily usable in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical rate

Replaces "average" with "typical", emphasizing the commonness or usualness of the rate.

a mean rate

Substitutes "average" with "mean", focusing on the statistical central tendency.

the usual rate

Emphasizes the rate that is most commonly observed or expected.

the common rate

Highlights the frequency of the rate's occurrence.

a standard rate

Implies a rate that is established or widely accepted as a norm.

a normal rate

Suggests a rate within the expected or typical range.

the prevailing rate

Refers to the rate that is currently dominant or most widespread.

the median rate

Focuses on the middle value when the rates are ordered from least to greatest.

a representative rate

Indicates a rate that accurately reflects the overall group or population.

an expected rate

Highlights the anticipated or predicted value of the rate.

FAQs

How can I use "an average rate" in a sentence?

You can use "an average rate" to describe the typical value of something over a period, such as "The company's revenue grew at "an average rate" of 5% per year."

What's a good substitute for "an average rate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a typical rate", "a mean rate", or "the usual rate" instead of "an average rate".

Is it more accurate to say "average rate" or "mean rate"?

"Average rate" and "mean rate" are often used interchangeably. However, "mean rate" is a more precise statistical term, while "an average rate" is more commonly used in general contexts.

What information should I include when reporting "an average rate"?

When reporting "an average rate", be sure to specify the period over which the average was calculated (e.g., monthly, annually) and the population or sample to which it applies. For example, "the average interest rate on mortgages in 2024".