greater than average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater than average" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing a specific value or performance to the average level of a group or category. For example, "Her test scores were greater than average, indicating strong understanding of the material." Alternative expressions include "above average" and "better than average."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

And there is far greater than average spending in the race.

The New York Times

At Szolnok, peak discharges 50 times greater than average have been recorded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People who have had several precancers of the skin (actinic keratoses) are also at greater than average risk.

The New York Times - Health

If our local risk of terrorist retaliation is greater than average Americans' -- and who doubts that it is?

The New York Times - Magazine

Uncles and male cousins on the mother's side had a greater than average chance of being gay, too.

The Guardian

Short menstrual cycles, prolonged menstrual flow and high levels of body fat contribute to a greater than average risk.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Investors who want greater-than-average risk in their portfolios are, of course, free to go out and find it.

The New York Times

Mild or transient weakness may be present in some individuals; others, however, may report average or greater-than-average strength.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His name is Tony Walsh, a Manchester writer who goes by the handle "Longfella" — because of his greater-than-average height, one assumes.

The New Yorker

This is a bit of a problem for John Kerry, whose greater-than-average admiration for French policies has received some attention.

The Guardian

Compatible IPN systems resulted in greater-than-average density values and reduced swelling behaviour.

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets, specify the context and units being measured to ensure clarity when using "greater than average".

Common error

Avoid assuming "greater than average" automatically implies statistical significance; always verify with appropriate statistical tests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater than average" functions as a modifier, specifically a comparative adjective phrase. It describes something that exceeds a typical or calculated mean. Ludwig AI confirms that it appears in contexts requiring comparison and assessment against a standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greater than average" is a commonly used and grammatically correct comparative phrase that signifies a value or attribute exceeding the norm. Ludwig AI data shows that it appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts. While ""above average"" serves as a concise alternative, it's important to consider the statistical context and avoid assuming automatic statistical significance. By being mindful of context and avoiding misinterpretations, writers can effectively use "greater than average" to convey precise comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above average

Indicates a level or quantity exceeding the typical or expected value; a more concise alternative.

better than the average

Indicates a superior state or quality compared to what is typical or expected.

higher than usual

Focuses on deviation from a typical occurrence or state, suggesting an elevated level.

exceeding the norm

Emphasizes that something surpasses the established standard or expected level.

surpassing the mean

Highlights statistical superiority, indicating a value above the calculated average.

outperforming expectations

Suggests a level of achievement beyond what was anticipated or predicted.

in excess of average

A more formal way to say something is more than the average amount.

above the median

Similar to surpassing the mean, it is statistically oriented but highlights that at least 50% of values are below it.

greater than the norm

Highlights that something is more than an average accepted behaviour or general consensus.

statistically significant

Highlights that something is more than an average statistically considered.

FAQs

What does "greater than average" mean?

The phrase "greater than average" indicates that a particular value, quantity, or characteristic is higher or more significant than the typical or expected value within a given set of data or context.

How can I use "greater than average" in a sentence?

You can use "greater than average" to describe various scenarios. For example, "The student's performance was "above average" in mathematics", or "The company's profits were "higher than usual" this quarter".

Which is more appropriate, "greater than average" or ""above average""?

Both "greater than average" and ""above average"" are correct and often interchangeable. "Above average" is generally more concise, while "greater than average" may offer a more precise or formal tone, depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to "greater than average"?

Some alternatives to "greater than average" include ""above average"", ""higher than usual"", "exceeding the norm", or "better than the average" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.