average

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'average' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the mean of a set of values. For example: "The average temperature in July is 28 degrees Celsius."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT), the cost of a Milton Keynes season ticket has risen 23.5%, or £930, since January 2010 and is one of a number of fares that have increased around four times more than average wages over this five-year period.

The Guardian

On average passengers are now paying £600 more for a season ticket and yet seeing no change in their pay packets".

The Guardian

In consumer electronics, the average product is replaced in just eight months.

The Economist

A generation ago, Warren says, basics (housing costs, health insurance, transportation, education, and taxes) accounted for fifty-four per cent of the average family's income.

The Economist

Against this, the three options set out for debate would leave an individual paying an average £20,000-£22,500 under a basic partnership scheme, though some would pay far more; £20,000-£25,000 under a voluntary insurance scheme, though the uninsured might pay much more; and £17,000-£20,000 under a compulsory comprehensive scheme.

The Guardian

They were up 205% and 172% respectively on their three-month slot average.

The Guardian

BBC1's Election 2015 programme had an average of 4.3 million viewers, a 38.5% share, from 9.55pm on Thursday, kicking off with its shock exit poll that predicted an unexpected 316 seats for the Conservatives.

The Guardian

The Guardian's average of polls aims to best represent a snapshot of the polls as they stand.

The Guardian

Some of them will receive far more than the average; data for 2013 showed that the most senior executives in London received an average of £3m.

The Guardian - Business

And the Barrow title sold an average of 10,713 a copy in the six months up to June, down 8.7% on last year.

The Guardian

A survey by the UKHCA found the average rate across the UK was £13.66 an hour, with Liverpool and neighbouring Knowsley councils paying less than £11.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Differentiate between "average", "mean", "median", and "mode" to ensure accurate communication. "Mean" is the arithmetic average, "median" is the middle value, and "mode" is the most frequent value.

Common error

Avoid assuming "average" represents everyone's experience. It's a central tendency, not a guarantee. Recognize outliers can significantly skew the average, making it unrepresentative for some individuals or situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "average" functions as an adjective to describe a typical or representative value, a noun referring to the calculated average itself, and a verb meaning to calculate or achieve an average. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its versatility. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "average" is a versatile term functioning as an adjective, noun, and verb. It signifies a central tendency, whether describing a typical value, referring to a calculated mean, or indicating the act of averaging. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from news reports to business analyses, with a neutral register that ensures broad applicability. Remember that while "average" is a useful summary statistic, it may not represent every individual case within a dataset. Therefore, be mindful of outliers and consider alternative measures like the median or mode when necessary. The phrase is very common according to Ludwig, and it's important to maintain accuracy and clarity when using it in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mean

Specifically refers to the arithmetic mean, a calculated value representing the sum of values divided by the number of values.

median

Denotes the middle value in a dataset when ordered, less sensitive to outliers than the mean.

mode

Indicates the most frequently occurring value in a dataset, representing the most common observation.

typical

Emphasizes conformity to a standard or norm, focusing on representativeness rather than a calculated value.

normal

Implies conformity to a standard or expected condition, often in contrast to abnormal or exceptional cases.

usual

Highlights common occurrence or frequency, indicating what is most often experienced or observed.

representative

Highlights the characteristic qualities of a larger group or category, serving as a typical example.

common

Underscores widespread occurrence or prevalence, emphasizing that something is frequently encountered.

standard

Focuses on a benchmark or established level of quality or performance, often used for comparison.

regular

Suggests consistency and conformity to a pattern or practice, indicating predictable behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "average" in a sentence?

You can use "average" to describe a typical value, quality, or characteristic within a group. For example, "The "average salary" in this industry is $60,000".

What's the difference between "average" and "mean"?

"Average" is a general term, while "mean" specifically refers to the arithmetic average (sum of values divided by the number of values). While often used interchangeably, "mean" is more precise in mathematical contexts.

What are some alternatives to using the word "average"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "typical", "usual", "normal", or "standard" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it inappropriate to use the term "average"?

It is inappropriate to use "average" when the data is heavily skewed or contains significant outliers, as the average may not accurately represent the typical value. In such cases, the "median" or "mode" might be more appropriate measures.