average Joe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "average Joe" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to an ordinary or typical person, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The movie was relatable because it depicted the struggles of the average Joe trying to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"They're not the average Joe.

The New York Times - Sports

Joe is not your average Joe.

The New Yorker

But Lewis is not an average Joe.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's a normal, average Joe," she said.

The Guardian

Stance in spades for the average Joe.

The New York Times

"You just don't have the average Joe".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The average I. Q

The New York Times - Books

That average, Mr. Smith figures, is around $4 million.

The New York Times

Again, not your average Harper supporters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr. Shonkoff speculates that average I. Q

The New York Times

On average, Clinton has a 6.5% average lead over Trump.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "average Joe" when you want to emphasize that someone is not special or extraordinary and is representative of the general population. It adds a relatable and down-to-earth tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "average Joe" in contexts where you need to show respect or admiration. The phrase can sometimes imply a lack of intelligence or sophistication, so choose a more neutral term like "ordinary person" if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "average Joe" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a stereotypical ordinary person. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "average Joe" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an ordinary, typical person. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While its register is generally informal and neutral, it's essential to be mindful of the potential connotations of lacking sophistication when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "ordinary person" or "typical individual" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Use "average Joe" to emphasize relatability and down-to-earth qualities, but avoid it when respect or admiration is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary person

Focuses on the lack of special qualities or status.

typical individual

Emphasizes the representativeness of the person.

common man

Highlights the person's belonging to the general populace.

everyday person

Stresses the person's ordinariness in daily life.

regular guy

Informal and emphasizes a friendly, approachable nature.

average citizen

Highlights the person's role in society.

typical bloke

More common in British English.

plain person

Highlights a lack of pretension or extravagance.

man in the street

Emphasizes the person's common sense and lack of expertise.

rank and file

Refers to members of an organization who are not leaders.

FAQs

How can I use "average Joe" in a sentence?

You can use "average Joe" to describe someone who is ordinary and typical. For example, "This car is designed for the "everyday person", not just the wealthy."

What is another way to say "average Joe"?

Alternatives to "average Joe" include "ordinary person", "typical individual", or "common man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "average Joe" in formal writing?

While "average Joe" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more neutral terms like "ordinary citizen" or "typical person".

What does it mean to say someone is an "average Joe"?

Saying someone is an "average Joe" means they are a normal, typical person without any particularly remarkable qualities or achievements. It's a way of emphasizing their ordinariness and relatability.