average mind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "average mind" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to someone who does not have exceptional intelligence or abilities. For example, "The average mind is not equipped to solve this complex problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That's on average, mind you.

The Washington Post

It's amazing how a lot of ambition and a bit of privilege can delude a fairly average mind into thinking you're incredibly talented.

The Guardian - Books

Poetry has been written-off on other counts: it's not a mass-market "product", it doesn't get sold on airport newsstands or in supermarket aisles; it's too "difficult" for the average mind; it's too elite, but the wealthy don't bid for it at Sotheby's; it is, in short, redundant.

The Guardian - Books

IN the self-aggrandizing nature of fashion speak, the term "emerging designer market" is often employed to mask what to the average mind would be called a "crafts fair," where the only key to entry is a hot glue gun and a sack of beads.

The New York Times

It followed from the special theory of relativity that mass and energy are both but different manifestations of the same thing — a somewhat unfamiliar conception for the average mind.

Forbes

His gift was to clearly peek within the pages of scriptural writ to see and to sense what the average mind would pass by.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Were we to judge them by the maxim "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people", they would not emerge well.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so, by extension, the extraordinary skills of autistic savants have been regarded as flukes, almost inhuman feats that average minds could never achieve.

The New York Times - Magazine

So as a less-than-expert focuser and an above average mind-wanderer, it could be that my right hemisphere isn't working as hard as it should be.

BBC

Average minds discuss events.

TechCrunch

She once said, "Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "average mind" when you want to describe a typical or common level of intelligence or understanding, without implying any judgment of inferiority.

Common error

Be cautious when using "average mind" to ensure you're not inadvertently implying that someone is unintelligent or incapable. Context is crucial to avoid unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "average mind" functions as a noun phrase, where "average" modifies the noun "mind". It describes a typical or ordinary level of intellectual capacity or understanding. As Ludwig explains, it refers to someone who does not have exceptional intelligence or abilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "average mind" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a typical level of intellectual capacity. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to use it with care to avoid unintended negative connotations. Contextual alternatives like "typical intellect" or "common understanding" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Usage analysis reveals that "average mind" appears frequently in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, underscoring its broad applicability. While the phrase itself is simple, its use in writing requires sensitivity to nuance and potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordinary intellect

Replaces "mind" with "intellect", emphasizing intellectual capacity.

common intelligence

Uses "intelligence" instead of "mind", highlighting cognitive function.

average capacity for thought

Specifies the ability to think as the aspect of mind being considered.

typical understanding

Focuses on the level of comprehension rather than overall mental capacity.

standard mentality

Emphasizes a typical way of thinking and approaching problems.

run-of-the-mill intellect

Uses more colloquial language to express the idea of a commonplace intelligence.

general cognitive ability

A more formal and technical way to describe typical mental skills.

garden-variety mind

Employs a more informal idiom to suggest a common or unremarkable mental state.

middle-of-the-road mentality

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a moderate or average level of thinking.

conventional mindset

Shifts the focus to the typical set of attitudes and beliefs.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The complexities of quantum physics are often difficult for the "average mind" to grasp".

Is it rude to describe someone as having an "average mind"?

It depends on the context. It can be seen as diminishing, so use it carefully. Instead, consider saying "typical intellect" or "common understanding" to soften the tone.

What's the difference between "average mind" and "brilliant mind"?

"Average mind" refers to a typical level of intelligence, while "brilliant mind" indicates exceptional intellectual ability. The term "brilliant mind" is used to praise, instead "average mind" is neutral but may sometimes come across as diminishing.

Are there alternatives to the phrase "average mind" that are less judgmental?

Yes, try using phrases like "typical intellect", "common understanding", or "ordinary intellect" to avoid potentially negative connotations.