in an average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in an average' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to compare something to the average or normal amount or size of something. For example: In an average year, most people will take around two weeks of vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Over all, "World News Tonight" brought in an average of 8.9 million viewers for the week.

The New York Times

Weekends bring in an average of 15,000 worshippers.

Forbes

"Hiatus" brought in an average of 4.7 million viewers.

Wikipedia

"Sandwich Day" brought in an average of 5.4��million viewers.

Wikipedia

"Subway Hero" brought in an average of 6.4 million viewers.

Wikipedia

They bring in an average of 950 million dollars in revenue to the host country.

Huffington Post

"They don't want to live in an average house.

The New York Times

In an average week, 28 midget cars enter the race.

The New York Times - Sports

In an average week I'll visit six clients multiple times.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I have successfully grown them even in an average-sized patio pot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Live in an average-sized house?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in an average", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the 'average'. Provide relevant data or comparisons to make the statement more meaningful.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "average" condition is necessarily desirable or positive. It simply represents the central tendency within a given set of data, which might be either favorable or unfavorable depending on the specific situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an average" typically functions as an adverbial modifier, setting the context for a statement by indicating that it represents a typical or representative value. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

30%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in an average" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce typical values or scenarios, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in news, academic writing, and scientific reports to provide context and establish a baseline. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity by specifying what the average refers to and to avoid assuming that the average is always ideal. Alternatives like "on average" or "typically" can be used for similar effect, depending on the nuance desired. The phrase is versatile across communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On average

Emphasizes a calculation or statistical mean.

Typically

Focuses on the usual or expected occurrence.

Generally

Highlights a common or widespread pattern.

In a typical

Similar, but places emphasis on the standard occurrence.

In most cases

Highlights a common occurrence while acknowledging possible exceptions.

Usually

Indicates what normally happens or is the case.

Commonly

Stresses the frequent occurrence of something.

As a rule

Highlights a general principle or expectation.

For the most part

Indicates that something is generally true, but not always.

In general

Offers a broad generalization about something.

FAQs

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

Use "in an average" to describe a typical or representative instance. For example, "In an average week, I work about 40 hours" indicates a standard work schedule.

What phrases are similar to "in an average"?

Alternatives include "on average", "typically", or "generally", which all convey a sense of typicality or common occurrence.

Is it always necessary to quantify what the average refers to when using "in an average"?

While not always strictly necessary, quantifying the average enhances clarity. For instance, specifying "in an average year" instead of just saying "in an average" provides more context.

How does "in an average" differ from "in general"?

"In general" provides a broad overview or common trend, whereas "in an average" refers to a specific calculated value or typical instance. While "in general" indicates a broad truth, "in an average" implies there's a specific metric or data point.