average person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "average person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person who is typical or representative of a group or population. For example, "Most average people lead busy lives and strive to balance their work and family commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

tycoons, even the average person empowered by the personal computer.

The New York Times - Books

I represent the average person".

The New Yorker

She is not an average person.

The New York Times

The average person has 90 channels.

The New York Times

Yet the average person wouldn't heckle.

The Guardian

"There's no average person," Mr. Osczevski said.

The New York Times - Science

The average person lives to 40.

The New York Times

This is what the average person scores.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the average person is still suffering," he said.

The Guardian

I use far fewer calories than the average person.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The average person gets sort of lost in that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "average person", clarify the context. For example, "the average person in this demographic" is more precise than just "the average person."

Common error

Be cautious about making sweeping statements about what the "average person" thinks or does. Acknowledge that averages don't represent every individual experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "average person" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a general or typical individual representative of a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "average person" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a typical individual within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news and media, serving to represent the general public. While widely used, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid broad generalizations. Alternatives like "typical individual" or "ordinary citizen" offer subtle variations in meaning. When writing about "average people", remember that averages don't represent every experience and be careful to offer too general.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typical individual

Emphasizes the common characteristics of a person within a specific group or society.

ordinary citizen

Highlights the role of an individual within a nation, especially concerning rights and responsibilities.

common man

Focuses on the societal status of being non-elite, often with implications of socio-economic background.

regular Joe

An informal way to describe someone seen as relatable and unpretentious.

everyday person

Stresses the routine and commonplace aspects of someone's life.

general public

Refers to the population at large, especially in the context of policies and public opinion.

average Joe

A very informal term for someone considered typical and unremarkable.

typical member of society

Focuses on the person's role and integration within a community, highlighting their conformity to societal norms.

rank and file

Referring to the ordinary members of an organization or workforce, without special rank or authority.

person in the street

Implies a non-expert opinion or perspective, often sought by journalists or researchers.

FAQs

What does the phrase "average person" mean?

The phrase "average person" refers to a typical or representative individual within a particular group or population. It's used to describe someone who embodies the common characteristics, experiences, or opinions of that group.

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

You can use "average person" to make generalizations about a group. For instance, "The "average person" spends a significant amount of time online" or "This policy will benefit the "average person"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "average person"?

Alternatives to "average person" include "typical individual", "ordinary citizen", or "common man". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "average person" or "average individual"?

Both "average person" and "average individual" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Average person" is slightly more common in everyday language, while "average individual" might be preferred in more formal or academic writing.