in the average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the average" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing typical values or characteristics within a group or dataset. Example: "In the average case, students who study regularly tend to perform better on exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Select the "XY" link in the "Average over" line.

Columbia University

"There is already enough selenium in the average American diet".

The New York Times

She now leads in the average by six.

The Washington Post

The differences are hard to see in the average numbers.

The Washington Post

There was also no significant difference in the average LOS.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Computers outnumber combustion engines in the average motor vehicle.

The Economist

Throw it in the average, and move on.

The New York Times

By four years old, more of them were in the average range, and by the time they were at school, most were performing in the average range.

The Guardian

Averse to an increase in the average if is at the cost to the least advantaged.

Yale University

We include in the average the effect of correlations within each experiments set of measurements.

Stanford University

This literature provides evidence that schools differ starkly in the average characteristics of their teachers.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For enhanced clarity, specify the population or dataset to which the average refers. For instance, say "in the average American household" instead of just "in the average".

Common error

Don't assume that "in the average" reflects the experience of every individual. Averages can mask significant variations and disparities within a group. Therefore, avoid making sweeping generalizations based solely on average values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the average" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase, providing context by indicating that the subsequent information pertains to a typical or representative instance within a larger set. Ludwig confirms its frequent usage in this manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the average" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe typical values or characteristics within a specific group or context. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is frequently used across various domains such as News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it's important to specify the population being discussed and avoid overgeneralizations, understanding its function and purpose allows for effective communication and interpretation of data. Consider alternatives like "on average" or "typically" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on average

This is the most direct and common synonym, indicating a calculated mean.

typically

Focuses on what is normal or usual, not necessarily a calculated average.

generally

Implies a broad trend or common occurrence.

in general

Similar to 'generally', but can also encompass a broader context beyond numerical data.

on a typical basis

Emphasizes the common occurrence over a period of time.

as a rule

Highlights a standard or usual case, though with possible exceptions.

ordinarily

Indicates what is expected under normal circumstances.

commonly

Highlights the frequent or widespread nature of something.

for the most part

Suggests that something is true in most instances, though not universally.

in most cases

Similar to 'for the most part', focusing on the majority of situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the average" to describe a typical value or characteristic within a group. For example, "In the average household, there are 2.5 people".

What's the difference between "in the average" and "on average"?

"In the average" typically precedes a noun, specifying the context, while "on average" is used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. For example, "In the average year, we get 30 inches of rain," versus, "It rains 30 inches on average".

What can I say instead of "in the average"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "typically", "generally", or "on average".

Is it always accurate to rely on "in the average" data?

While "in the average" provides a general understanding, it's crucial to remember that averages can be misleading if there's a wide range of values or significant outliers in the data. Always consider the distribution and potential biases.