larger than average

USAGE SUMMARY

"larger than average" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare things that are larger than what is normal or expected. For example: "The house was larger than average for that neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Eighty percent of the children of the centenarians had larger than average high density lipoproteins.

The New York Times - Health

Centenarians, a new study shows, tend to have larger than average cholesterol-carrying molecules.

The New York Times

The slide in their party's support was larger than average in cities and in richer provinces.

The Economist

The place is larger than average; there are two main rooms upstairs as well as an eat-in bar.

The New York Times

Though the big paint chips can't be taken out, the ones you can take home are far larger than average.

The New York Times

As with many parts of London, the larger than average shift has made housing unaffordable for many in Brixton.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Two of the tropical japonica lines, Moroberekan and Azucena, had the largest metaxylem vessels and larger-than average stele areas.

Rice

These investors have larger-than-average investments and a large fraction of penny stocks in their portfolios.

Columbia University

A larger-than-average emergency fund can provide a better mental buffer against uncertainty.

The New York Times

"We're throwing out preconceived notions we've had about larger-than-average small molecules," says Taylor.

Nature

Suppliers say this year's erratic weather has led to many larger-than-average pumpkins.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "larger than average", ensure the context provides a clear baseline for comparison. For instance, specify "larger than average for its species" or "larger than average for this region" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "larger than average" without specifying what is being compared. Saying "the portion size was larger than average" is vague; instead, clarify "the portion size was larger than average compared to other restaurants in the area".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "larger than average" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It serves to describe a noun by indicating that it exceeds a typical or expected size. Ludwig showcases various examples where this phrase effectively describes everything from physical objects to statistical values.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "larger than average" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase for indicating something exceeds the typical size. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and applicable in written English. With examples spanning across News & Media, Science, and Academia, it’s clear that this phrase has broad applicability. When using "larger than average", it's best to provide a clear reference point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "above average size" and "greater than the norm", but "larger than average" serves as a versatile and commonly understood descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above average size

Focuses specifically on the physical dimension, implying a measurement exceeds the norm.

greater than the norm

Emphasizes exceeding a standard or typical value, applicable in various contexts.

exceeding the mean

A statistical term highlighting that a value is higher than the calculated average.

outsize

A more concise term, suggesting something is significantly larger than usual.

more substantial than usual

Highlights the comparative increase in size or amount relative to the typical.

considerably bigger

Implies a noticeable and significant increase in size.

remarkably expanded

Suggests a notable increase in dimensions, possibly due to growth or enlargement.

appreciably larger

Indicates that the difference in size is easily perceived or measured.

relatively big

Emphasizes that something is big in comparison to something else or a general standard.

somewhat enormous

Suggests considerable size and might carry a hint of exaggeration.

FAQs

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

You can use "larger than average" to describe something that exceeds the typical size, such as "The pumpkin was "larger than average" for its variety".

What's a good alternative to "larger than average"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "larger than average" include "above average size", "greater than the norm", or "outsize".

Is it always appropriate to use "larger than average"?

While generally acceptable, using "larger than average" is most effective when the standard average is understood by your audience or is clearly defined within your writing.

What is the difference between "larger than average" and "big"?

"Big" is a general term for size, while "larger than average" implies a comparison to a specific norm or average. "Larger than average" provides more context and precision.