are only average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are only average" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of mediocre quality or performance, indicating that it does not stand out positively. Example: "The results of the survey show that the customer service ratings are only average, which suggests there is room for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Pictures are only average.

The New York Times - Tech

But if your ratings are only average, it can be tough.

The New York Times - Magazine

Workers' comp is a hot-button issue in the California business community; although workers' benefits are only average, California's premiums are the highest in the country.

The New Yorker

But they are not always the ones who give their teams the biggest boost when they step onto the court, partly because many high scorers are only average defenders.

The New York Times - Sports

However, the scintillation data that forms this archive is given by the indices S4 and σϕ (in particular the latter's 60 s version, herein termed Phi60), which are only average values measured at the input of the receiver Phase Locked Loop (PLL).

Advances in Space Research

It is important to note that calculated values are only average values.

Geothermal Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

At Britain's universities many students crumble as they realise they are only average-sized fish in a much larger pond.

The Guardian

Of course, these are only averages.

The New Yorker

There is no normal; there are only averages.

The New Yorker

What most affects your own outcome, though, is the simple fact that averages are only averages.

The New Yorker

Note that these figures are based on those published by the Energy Savings Trust and are only averages.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are only average" to describe performance or quality, provide specific details to illustrate why the subject is not above average. This adds credibility and clarity to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the negative impact of something being "are only average". While it indicates a lack of excellence, it does not necessarily imply failure or unacceptability. Maintain a balanced perspective in your evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are only average" primarily functions as a descriptive qualifier, indicating that something possesses a typical or standard level of quality, performance, or characteristics. It suggests a lack of distinction or exceptional traits. Ludwig provides examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are only average" serves as a neutral descriptor, indicating that something is typical or standard without being exceptional. As indicated by Ludwig, it appears commonly in news and media, but also in scientific and wiki contexts. When writing, use the phrase to objectively describe something that meets expectations without standing out, providing specific details to support your assessment and avoiding exaggeration. Remember there exist several alternatives such as "are merely typical", "are simply mediocre" or "are nothing special", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are merely typical

Replaces "average" with "typical" to emphasize the commonness of the described subject.

are simply mediocre

Substitutes "average" with "mediocre", highlighting a lack of quality or distinction.

are just ordinary

Uses "ordinary" instead of "average" to convey a sense of commonness and lack of special qualities.

are fairly standard

Employs "standard" to suggest that something conforms to a typical level or expectation.

are nothing special

This idiom directly conveys the idea that something lacks remarkable qualities.

are quite commonplace

Replaces "average" with "commonplace" to stress the lack of uniqueness.

are rather run-of-the-mill

Uses the idiom "run-of-the-mill" to emphasize the ordinariness and lack of distinction.

are somewhat pedestrian

Substitutes "average" with "pedestrian", implying a lack of excitement or originality.

are not exceptional

Directly states that something does not stand out as being above average.

are only so-so

Uses the informal expression "so-so" to indicate that something is neither good nor bad, but just acceptable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are only average" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "are merely typical", "are simply mediocre", or "do not exceed expectations" depending on the specific context.

What are some informal synonyms for "are only average"?

Informal alternatives include "are just okay", "are so-so", or "are nothing special". These options convey a similar meaning in a more relaxed manner.

How does "are only average" compare to "are below average"?

"Are only average" indicates a typical or standard level, while "are below average" suggests a level that is worse than the norm. The former is neutral, while the latter is negative. Both differ from saying something is above average.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "are only average"?

The phrase "are only average" is suitable when providing an objective assessment of something that meets expectations but does not stand out. This is useful in reviews, evaluations, and descriptive contexts where precise language is needed.