kind of average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of average" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moderately or somewhat average, often implying a lack of distinction or excitement. Example: "The movie was kind of average; it had some good moments, but overall it didn't stand out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Do you think of Whit as a kind of average everyman?

The New Yorker

But he is proving to be a kind of average prime minister.

The Guardian

So you are bringing the child from the lowest baseline to kind of average.

The Washington Post

Now, I know what you're thinking, O.K., Jared, what kind of average is average?

The New York Times - Magazine

And what that gives you at a population level is a kind of average response to all the stuff in the receptive field.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Had Rose had that kind of average at the plate, he wouldn't have lasted long enough to get 200 hits, let alone 200 hits in 10 separate seasons.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

So in a many-poll world, you really have to adopt some kind of averaging procedure and stick to it.

The New York Times

The gender discrimination case mentioned on the Wikipedia page is a good example of where this kind of averaging can get confusing in real life.

The New York Times

"We know that cells are variable in other organisms, so they probably need some kind of averaging like this to produce the regular organs we see in all organisms," Roeder said.

Cornell University

Perhaps, as with the elements of matter, investigation passes a threshold of common sense and enters a sub-atomic realm where laws are mocked, where persons have the life-span of beta particles and the transparency of neutrinos, and where a rough kind of averaging out must substitute for absolute truth.

The New Yorker

We also use some kind of averaging over noise eigenvectors to obtain a more reliable signal estimator.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of average" to convey a nuanced sense of mediocrity or typicality without being overly harsh or critical. It's suitable for informal and neutral contexts where a more direct assessment might be too blunt.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of average" in formal writing or professional settings where precision and stronger vocabulary are preferred. Opt for terms like "moderately typical" or "relatively standard" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of average" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a moderate or unremarkable degree of quality or performance. As noted by Ludwig, it's a common expression used to describe something that isn't particularly outstanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of average" is a frequently used phrase that describes something as moderately or somewhat average. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted in many contexts, although it may be too informal for certain types of professional or academic writing. The phrase's prevalence in news and media, coupled with its appearance in academic sources, underscores its general utility. When aiming for more precise or formal language, consider alternatives such as "somewhat mediocre" or "fairly ordinary". Overall, "kind of average" is useful for expressing a neutral assessment without strong positive or negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat mediocre

Suggests a slightly lower quality than average.

fairly ordinary

Emphasizes the lack of exceptional qualities.

moderately typical

Highlights the commonness and lack of distinction.

passably adequate

Implies a level of acceptance, but without excellence.

relatively standard

Stresses adherence to a common benchmark.

sort of run-of-the-mill

Suggests something commonplace and uninspired.

pretty unremarkable

Highlights the lack of any notable features.

averagely common

Focuses on the usual or frequent nature.

somewhat pedestrian

Suggests a lack of imagination or excitement.

basically typical

Emphasizes the fundamental ordinariness.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of average" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of average" to describe something that is moderately or somewhat average, often implying a lack of distinction or excitement. For example, "The movie was kind of average; it had some good moments, but overall it didn't stand out."

What can I say instead of "kind of average"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat mediocre", "fairly ordinary", or "moderately typical" depending on the context.

Is "kind of average" too informal for academic writing?

While "kind of average" is understandable, it might be perceived as too informal for academic writing. Consider using alternatives like "relatively standard" or "moderately typical" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "kind of average" and "below average"?

"Kind of average" suggests something is near the midpoint on a scale, neither particularly good nor bad. "Below average", on the other hand, indicates that something is worse than the typical standard.