average hours

USAGE SUMMARY

"average hours" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe the amount of time something typically takes or to describe the time people usually spend doing something. For example: The average hours spent studying for the test was four.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

9 The differences between the coefficients on output changes in the total-hours equation and the sum of the corresponding coefficients in the employment and average-hours equations largely reflect the fact that average hours are modelled somewhat differently.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The United States surpasses workaholic Japan in average hours.

The New York Times

The average hours worked in the state sector are similar.

The Guardian

For example, we should see firms increasing average hours as a way to avoid hiring workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The average hours worked reached 34.5 hours per week last month, back to pre-recession levels.

The Guardian - Business

The new measure places Brooklyn ahead of the Queens Library in average hours per week.

The New York Times

Average hours are higher in Anglo-Saxon countries than in other advanced economies (see chart).

The Economist

Average hours worked have increased even as part-time jobs have become more common.

The Economist

As more women entered paid employment, average hours of unpaid work diminished.

The New York Times

Average hours worked did not rise, though hourly wages edged up 0.2%.

The Economist

Under the trial, staff are offered contracts in line with the average hours per week they work.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing work statistics, specify the period to which the "average hours" refer (e.g., "average hours per week" or "average hours per year") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "average hours" automatically equates to a standard full-time work week. It can be influenced by part-time employment, industry variations, and economic conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "average hours" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in sentences. It typically denotes a calculated mean of time spent on a specific activity or within a particular context, such as employment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "average hours" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase that signifies a calculated mean of time, often in relation to work or activities. Ludwig AI shows its usage across various domains, including Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral, understanding the context (e.g., "average hours per week") is essential for accurate interpretation. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations and consider the factors influencing average values to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical working hours

Replaces "average" with "typical", emphasizing the usual nature of the working hours.

mean hours

Uses "mean" as a synonym for "average", indicating a statistical measure of central tendency.

usual hours

Replaces "average" with "usual", focusing on the customary or expected duration.

standard hours

Indicates the regular or accepted amount of time worked.

normal work hours

Synonymous with standard hours, highlighting what is considered a regular work schedule.

median hours

Uses "median" instead of "average", referring to the middle value in a distribution of hours.

representative hours

Refers to hours that are characteristic or typical of a group or situation.

average time

A broader term that could encompass hours, but isn't limited to it.

typical duration

Focuses on the length of time, expressed generally rather than specifically in hours.

average time spent

Implies a time spent on something in general, and not exclusively in working.

FAQs

How to use "average hours" in a sentence?

You can use "average hours" to describe the typical time spent on a task or worked in a week. For example, "The "average hours" worked per week in the US are approximately 40."

What's a good way to rephrase "average hours"?

Consider using alternatives like "typical working hours" or "mean hours" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

What factors can affect the "average hours" worked?

Several factors can influence "average hours", including economic conditions, industry type, the prevalence of part-time work, and government regulations.

How do "average hours" compare between different countries?

"Average hours" worked can vary significantly between countries due to differences in labor laws, cultural norms, and economic structures. Researching specific country comparisons can provide valuable insights.