anything but average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything but average" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptional or stands out from the norm. Example: "Her performance in the competition was anything but average; she truly captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Recent years have been anything but average.

The New York Times - Food

It's based on averages, and as a runner you are anything but average.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He seems to understand the average person's life even if he is anything but average.

The Guardian - Music

These are anything but average times: we're still emerging from the worst financial and economic crisis since the Great Depression, the economy remains extraordinarily fragile and the risk of a double-dip recession is real.

The Economist

BAT has invested more than £150m in the team which was founded in 1999 and has yet to demonstrate anything but average results, although Villeneuve finished third in the Spanish and German grands prix this year.

The Guardian - Sport

But Saab predicts anything but average performance, with a top speed of well over 150 miles per hour, and 0 to 60 times under six seconds.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Below, de Castellane talks about the T that's anything but your average garden variety.

The New York Times

The Brewers, however, were anything but an average club when they made the trade.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Peck — who is heralded as a hero by some in Buenos Aires, his new home, and denounced as a traitor by others in the Falkland Islands, where he was born and raised — is anything but the average foreign wanderer making his way to Argentina.

The New York Times

That sum that sounds extraordinary but is actually anything but -- the average amount contained in those accounts is a mere $75,000.

Forbes

But he is anything but your average middle schooler.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anything but average" to add emphasis when you want to highlight how something exceeds expectations or significantly differs from the norm. This phrase is particularly effective in descriptive writing to create a memorable image.

Common error

Avoid using "anything but average" in situations where you simply mean 'slightly above average'. This phrase carries a strong connotation of exceptionalism, and misusing it can weaken your message. Ensure the context warrants the level of emphasis the phrase implies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything but average" functions as an adjectival modifier, emphasizing that something is not ordinary or typical. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from describing performance to economic conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anything but average" is a phrase used to emphasize that something is far from ordinary, carrying a connotation of exceptionalism. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it's suitable for various contexts, provided the emphasis is warranted. For alternatives, consider "far from ordinary", or "distinctly unique" to add nuance to your writing. Ensure you're highlighting genuine exceptionalism, and not simply something slightly above the norm, to effectively use the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from ordinary

Emphasizes the departure from the usual or commonplace.

distinctly unique

Highlights the quality of being individual and special.

uncommonly exceptional

Stresses the rarity and superior quality.

remarkably different

Focuses on the noticeable contrast from the norm.

singularly outstanding

Highlights the isolation and excellence.

not run-of-the-mill

Indicates something is not ordinary or commonplace.

exceptional in nature

Highlights the superior qualities of something.

atypical by far

Emphasizes the significant deviation from the standard.

well above par

Suggests a level of performance or quality that exceeds expectations.

anomalous to the norm

Implies a deviation from the typical or expected pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "anything but average" in a sentence?

Use "anything but average" to emphasize that something is far from ordinary, typical, or expected. For example: "Her performance was "anything but average"; it was truly extraordinary."

What is a good alternative to "anything but average"?

Alternatives include "far from ordinary", "distinctly unique", or "uncommonly exceptional". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "anything but average" and "above average"?

"Above average" indicates something is better than the typical standard, while "anything but average" suggests something is significantly exceptional and far from the norm. The latter carries a stronger emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "anything but average"?

Yes, "anything but average" is a grammatically sound and idiomatic phrase used to describe something that is far from being ordinary or typical.