an average size of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an average size of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the typical dimensions or measurements of an object or group. Example: "The table has an average size of 6 feet in length and 3 feet in width."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And those IPOs had an average size of just $32m.

The Economist

The pension systems invested in private investment vehicles with an average size of $2.2 billion.

Stanford University

Furthermore, transmission electron microscope revealed Au NP with an average size of 40 nm (Fig. S6C).

Nature

Barry Silbert, the network's founder, said that about 10 trades occur daily, with an average size of $350,000.

The New York Times

Autolysate generates bigger particles with an average size of between 17 and 30 nm irrespectively of the growth media.

Nature

It is difficult to speak of an average size of village, for patterns of habitation are complex.

Britannica

The Al2O3 nanoparticles have an average size of 25 nm.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Each cluster has an average size of 50 nm.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

Ti200 has an average size of 5 nm.

International Nano Letters

Results:The spherical nanoparticles had an average size of 60-80 nm.

Duke University

The insert sizes range from 25too 143 kb, with an average size of 82 kb.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an average size of", ensure you specify the unit of measurement (e.g., cm, inches, kb, nm) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid stating "an average size of" without specifying the unit, as this lacks context and can be confusing. Always include units like "cm", "inches", or "bp" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an average size of" functions as a descriptive element, providing quantitative information about the typical dimensions of a subject. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in describing physical characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an average size of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe typical dimensions or measurements. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in scientific, news, and academic contexts to provide specific and informative details. When using this phrase, it's crucial to include the units of measurement to ensure clarity. While alternatives like "a typical size of" or "a mean size of" can be used, "an average size of" remains a clear and direct choice for conveying precise dimensional information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a typical size of

Replaces "average" with "typical", emphasizing commonness rather than a calculated mean.

a mean size of

Substitutes "average" with "mean", keeping a statistical nuance for size.

an approximate size of

Replaces "average" with "approximate", indicating an estimated dimension.

a general size of

Uses "general" instead of "average" to suggest a rough estimate.

an estimated size of

Replaces "average" with "estimated", focusing on a calculated guess.

a common size of

Replaces "average" with "common", which highlights the prevalence of a particular size.

a usual size of

Uses "usual" instead of "average" to describe a frequently observed dimension.

a standard size of

Replaces "average" with "standard", suggesting a size that is generally accepted or required.

an ordinary size of

Replaces "average" with "ordinary", which describes a commonplace size.

a typical dimension of

Broader term that uses "dimension" instead of "size", covering height, width, or length.

FAQs

How is "an average size of" used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "an average size of" is used to describe the typical dimensions of particles, cells, or other measured entities. For instance, "The nanoparticles had "an average size of" 25 nm."

What alternatives can I use instead of "an average size of" in a report?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a typical size of", "a mean size of", or "an approximate size of" to convey a similar meaning without repetition.

Is it correct to use "average size" without "an"?

While "average size" is understandable, using "an average size of" is grammatically correct when introducing a specific measurement. Omission of "an" is more common in informal contexts.

How does ""an average size of"" differ from "the average size"?

"An average size of" introduces a specific measurement or range, while "the average size" refers to a general characteristic or expected value. The former is used when specifying a size, the latter when discussing a trend or expectation.