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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
approximately on average
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "approximately on average" is not correct and is redundant in written English.
You can use it when trying to convey a general estimate, but it is better to choose one of the terms to avoid confusion. Example: "The project will take approximately on average three weeks to complete."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Subsequently each individual DNA library sequenced in three lanes of HiSeq2500 machine achieving approximately on average a base coverage more than 20X.
Science & Research
The diameters of these microholes are approximately on average 12 and 21 μm, respectively.
Science
Although the compliance rate in hand hygiene on average only amounts to 50%, it can be safely assumed that approximately on average 20 hygienic hand disinfections are carried out per healthcare worker per shift [ 19].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Whichever is your sensibility, it should be comparatively cheap: a beer costs about a lat (approximately £1) on average and you can eat a three-course meal for under a tenner even in the more touristy areas.
News & Media
The AUC is approximately 0.95 on average, which compares to 0.83 and 0.72 for the five and one year memory models respectively.
Science
In addition, their constant trends were approximately 0.08 °C/decade, on average, from the 1980s to the 2000s, while the NOAA-old trend kept decreasing during the last three decades at a rate similar to that during previous decades after World War II.
Science & Research
In 1990, positive selection of women was approximately 12percentt on average, while men were 8percentt.
Science
With the present technique, we show that they do in fact approximately cancel on average.
Science
Per users, Opera Mini users spent approximately $4 on average in the month of February, which comes out to $48 per year.
News & Media
If they bought these loans at any time after 2004, the value of these assets have already fallen approximately 40% on average since the market peak in 2007.
News & Media
The transmittance value increased by approximately 5% on average, and there was an obvious difference between the 2 h ZnO growth and 4 h ZnO growth samples.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Choose either "approximately" or "on average" to avoid redundancy. Using both together doesn't add value and can make your writing sound less precise. For example, instead of "approximately on average three weeks", say "approximately three weeks" or "on average three weeks".
Common error
Avoid using both "approximately" and "on average" together. This combination is unnecessary because "approximately" already implies an estimated value, and "on average" already suggests a typical or common value. Combining them creates a redundant expression that weakens the impact of your statement.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "approximately on average" functions as an adverbial phrase, intended to modify a verb or clause by indicating an estimated average quantity. However, it's grammatically redundant, according to Ludwig AI.
Frequent in
Science
67%
News & Media
22%
Formal & Business
11%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "approximately on average" is grammatically redundant and should be avoided in writing. Ludwig AI identifies this as an incorrect usage. While it's meant to convey an estimated typical value, using either ""approximately"" or ""on average"" separately is clearer and more concise. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific contexts, but its incorrectness diminishes its credibility across all registers. Remember to choose one term to improve clarity and precision in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
on average approximately
Reverses the order of the words. This version maintains the meaning but is equally redundant.
approximately
Simplifies the phrase by removing "on average", focusing solely on the estimated nature of the value.
on average
Simplifies the phrase by removing "approximately", highlighting the typical or average value.
roughly on average
Replaces "approximately" with "roughly", maintaining the sense of estimation in a general value.
about on average
Substitutes "approximately" with "about", indicating an inexact calculation of a typical value.
average
Focuses only on the average value, omitting any explicit approximation.
typical
Replaces the entire phrase with a single word indicating a representative or common value.
estimated average
Highlights that the average itself is an estimation
around average
Indicates values close to a center point.
in general terms
Indicates a broad, non-specific estimate
FAQs
Is it grammatically correct to say "approximately on average"?
No, the phrase "approximately on average" is grammatically redundant. It's better to use either "approximately" or "on average" separately to convey the intended meaning.
What does "approximately on average" mean?
The phrase "approximately on average" aims to convey an estimated or typical value. However, it's redundant because both words serve a similar function. Using just one – either "approximately" or "on average" – is sufficient.
How can I use "approximately" and "on average" correctly in a sentence?
Use "approximately" when you want to indicate an estimate, such as "The project will take "approximately" three weeks to complete." Use "on average" to indicate a typical value, such as "On average, it takes three weeks to complete the project."
Which is a better phrase to use, "approximately" or "on average"?
The best phrase depends on the context. Use "approximately" when you are giving an estimate. Use "on average" when you are talking about a typical value based on multiple instances or data points.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested