different from the average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "different from the average" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that deviates from what is typically expected or considered normal. Example: "Her performance was different from the average, showcasing exceptional talent and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We then tested across cells if the average response rate difference on the left was different from the average response rate difference on the right.

Cerebral Cortex

It has also been held that trait fitness and fitness difference are both something more than and different from the average of individual fitnesses and fitness differences.

SEP

In the actual outbreak case, the values of these parameters may be different from the average values because of the individual differences of the index patients.

BMC Infectious Diseases

There were no significant gender differences in terms of distinctive accuracy or perceiving how others are different from the average person.

Journal of Research in Personality

What makes players different from the average worker?

The New York Times - Sports

I am very different from the average person.

The New York Times - Science

In that sense, he's no different from the average teenage user of social media.

The Guardian

People like her are "different from the average person, often in very dangerous or scary ways".

The New York Times - Books

By this, Baskerville is still different from the average of the others.

The New York Times

So, he said, Dr. Paxton and colleagues asked, "How is Steve different from the average person with H.I.V. infection?

The New York Times - Health

If he seemed to be different from the average speaker, so his audience seemed different from your average union crowd.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets, clarify which average you're referencing (mean, median, or mode) to ensure clarity and precision in your analysis. This avoids ambiguity, particularly in technical or statistical contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "different from the average" automatically implies statistical significance. Always conduct proper statistical tests to validate whether the observed difference is truly meaningful and not just due to random chance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different from the average" primarily functions as a descriptive qualifier, indicating a deviation or distinction from a typical or expected value. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different from the average" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe deviations from a norm. As confirmed by Ludwig, its neutral register and widespread usage across diverse fields like science and news media, indicate its broad applicability. Remember to specify which type of average (mean, median, or mode) when relevant, and avoid assuming statistical significance without proper validation. Alternative phrases such as ""distinct from the norm"" or "divergent from the mean" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct from the norm

Focuses on deviating from a standard or expected pattern.

unlike the typical

Highlights the contrast against what is considered usual or commonplace.

divergent from the mean

Emphasizes the statistical difference from the central tendency.

atypical compared to the standard

Suggests a deviation from a defined benchmark or expectation.

an outlier relative to the average

Indicates that something lies far outside the normal range of data.

deviating from the expected

Implies a departure from what is commonly anticipated.

varying from the usual

Highlights the change or difference from the commonplace.

not conforming to the median

Emphasizes a lack of alignment with the central value in a dataset.

contrasting with the typical

Highlights a clear opposition or difference from what is considered typical.

exceptional compared to the norm

Implies that something is notably superior or unusual when compared to the norm.

FAQs

How can I use "different from the average" in a sentence?

You can use "different from the average" to describe something that deviates from the typical or expected value. For instance, "Her performance was "distinct from the norm", showcasing exceptional talent and creativity."

What's the difference between "different from the average" and ""distinct from the norm""?

"Different from the average" typically refers to a statistical or numerical deviation, while ""distinct from the norm"" implies a more general deviation from what is considered typical or expected in a given context.

What can I say instead of "different from the average"?

Alternatives include "unlike the typical", "divergent from the mean", or "atypical compared to the standard", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to be "different from the average"?

Not necessarily. Being "different from the average" can be either positive or negative, depending on the context and the specific qualities that make something different. It simply indicates a deviation from what is typical.