average figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "average figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a typical or mean value in a set of data or statistics. Example: "The average figure for monthly sales has increased significantly over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The average figure was usually four.

The Guardian

The average figure was £49,000.

The Guardian

And that's just an average figure.

The Guardian - Money

The average figure is less than $10,000.

The New York Times - Arts

Worldwide, the average figure of asthma sufferers is 1%.

The Guardian - Sport

In Westchester County, the average figure was $553, and in Suffolk County, $288.

The New York Times

The average figure for the last 20 years is just 15 times annual rents.

The New York Times

The daily average figure for iPhone app users was 62,125.

The Guardian

This is an average figure: some students log on to Facebook rarely; some use it obsessively.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In fact the average figure would be considerably lower.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

15-20% is a reasonable industry-average figure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the "average figure", consider the context and whether the mean, median, or mode is the most appropriate measure of central tendency. Specify which type of average you're using if it's not immediately clear.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "average figure" accurately represents all data points. Outliers can significantly skew the average, making it a misleading representation of the typical value. Always consider the range and distribution of the data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "average figure" functions as a noun phrase that serves to quantify or represent a typical numerical value derived from a set of data. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as finance, demographics, and sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "average figure" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a typical or mean value in a dataset. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and used across various domains. While the "average figure" simplifies complex data, it's important to consider the data's distribution and potential outliers. Alternatives like "mean value" or "typical number" can be used depending on the context. Remember to consider the potential for misrepresentation when using averages, especially when outliers are present. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, further attesting to its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mean value

Replaces 'figure' with 'value', focusing on the statistical measure of the average.

typical number

Substitutes 'average' with 'typical' to emphasize a common or representative quantity.

average value

Replaces 'figure' with 'value', providing a slightly more formal tone.

mean amount

Uses 'amount' instead of 'figure' to refer to a general quantity.

typical amount

Combines 'typical' with 'amount' to indicate a common quantity.

average quantity

Employs 'quantity' instead of 'figure' to denote a general amount.

representative number

Highlights that the number is representative of a larger set of data.

overall average

Adds 'overall' to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the average.

standard average

Uses "standard" to replace "average", shifting focus from an average value, and instead towards a value that represents a norm or expectation.

general average

Implies that it represents the most common or ordinary quantity and indicates a broader or less specific average value.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "average figure" in a sentence?

The "average figure" is versatile; it can describe salaries, costs, or quantities. For example: "The average figure for annual rainfall in this region is 30 inches."

What are some alternatives to using "average figure"?

You can use alternatives like "mean value", "typical number", or "average value" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "average figure" or "median figure"?

It depends on the data set. The "average figure" (mean) can be skewed by outliers, while the median figure represents the middle value and is less affected by extreme values. Consider using the median when outliers are present.

What does the phrase "average figure masks huge variations" mean?

This phrase means that while the "average figure" provides a general idea, it doesn't show the full range of values. There might be significant differences between individual data points, which the average doesn't reveal.