but otherwise average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but otherwise average" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has certain qualities or characteristics, but is generally unremarkable or typical in other aspects. Example: "The restaurant had a nice ambiance and friendly staff, but otherwise average food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Chris Lawton:  Classic Rooney; flashes of world-class brilliance but otherwise average performance.

BBC

It is also easy to underestimate the temptation to morph the Wrangler into a fun-looking but otherwise average SUV.

Forbes

Before anthropomorphizing God and becoming a pop sensation, Osborne was a big-voiced but otherwise average blues-based bar-band singer, as documented in this collection of live tracks previously released through her indie label.

Los Angeles Times

The variable loop position having the highest, but otherwise average, AEV is e2, which is a known identity element of tRNASer.

DNA Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But otherwise, the average Bolivian has had little to show for the government's embrace of policies urged on it by the United States, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, now the focus of so much resentment.

The New York Times

Holik was stopped twice from point-blank range by Rhodes, an otherwise average goaltender who is having an exceptional tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

"A pleasing performance from Corbett," said the American TV Guide critic, "saves this otherwise average British farce from the usual doldrums".

The Guardian

Bruschetta is topped with broccoli puréed to the consistency of pesto; an otherwise average chicken salad conceals a slice of duck salami.

The New Yorker

TEMPTATION Just a short drive from center stage at the convention, on an otherwise average street with Thai restaurants and steakhouses, debauchery awaits.

The New York Times

Keith Woolner, a 34-year-old software marketer from San Jose, Calif., has developed Marginal Lineup Value, which assesses the impact of adding one Bonds to a lineup of eight otherwise average hitters.

The New York Times

If an overall year group is thought to be less able than previous years – as this year's is thought to be – then moving grade boundaries can avoid over-achievement by an otherwise average student.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but otherwise average" to provide a balanced perspective, acknowledging both positive aspects and areas where something doesn't stand out.

Common error

Avoid using "but otherwise average" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your descriptions sound repetitive and uninspired. Strive to use a variety of descriptive phrases to provide more nuanced and engaging evaluations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but otherwise average" functions as a conjunction phrase used to express contrast. It acknowledges a specific quality or characteristic while downplaying the overall impression as merely average. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but otherwise average" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase to express a nuanced perspective, acknowledging both a specific quality and an overall sense of mediocrity. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid repetitive writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase serves to temper assessments and convey a balanced viewpoint. Consider alternatives like "yet generally mediocre" to diversify your writing. As highlighted, "but otherwise average" is most effectively employed when you want to qualify an impression with a specific detail before concluding with a sense of general ordinariness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet generally mediocre

Replaces 'otherwise average' with a different term for mediocrity.

however, typically unremarkable

Uses 'however' to introduce the contrast and 'unremarkable' to denote the lack of distinction.

but typically commonplace

Substitutes 'average' with 'commonplace', indicating ordinariness.

though mostly standard

Employs 'though' for contrast and 'standard' to convey typicality.

still, mainly pedestrian

Utilizes 'pedestrian' to describe something as lacking in excitement or special qualities.

nonetheless, conventionally normal

Uses 'normal' to describe the overall state.

but in most respects ordinary

Specifies that ordinariness applies in 'most respects'.

although predominantly unexceptional

Replaces 'average' with 'unexceptional', emphasizing the lack of notable qualities.

yet largely middling

Uses 'middling' to indicate a position in the middle, neither very good nor very bad.

however, fundamentally run-of-the-mill

Uses 'run-of-the-mill' to highlight the commonness and lack of uniqueness.

FAQs

How can I use "but otherwise average" in a sentence?

You can use "but otherwise average" to describe something that has a notable feature, yet its other qualities are unremarkable. For example, "The service was excellent, but the food was "but otherwise average"".

What phrases are similar to "but otherwise average"?

Alternatives include phrases like "yet generally mediocre", "however typically unremarkable", or "though mostly standard", all of which convey a sense of something being ordinary in most aspects.

Is it grammatically correct to say "but otherwise average"?

Yes, the phrase "but otherwise average" is grammatically correct. It uses 'but' as a conjunction to contrast a specific quality with the overall average nature of something.

When should I use "but otherwise average" instead of simpler phrases like "average"?

Use "but otherwise average" when you want to highlight a particular aspect or feature that stands out from the generally average nature of the subject. It adds a layer of nuance compared to simply calling something "average".