the average person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the average person" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an ordinary person, someone who is typical and who is not considered extraordinary in any way. For example, "The average person cannot afford the luxury cars that are typically seen in this neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

tycoons, even the average person empowered by the personal computer.

The New York Times - Books

I represent the average person".

The New Yorker

The average person has 90 channels.

The New York Times

Yet the average person wouldn't heckle.

The Guardian

The average person lives to 40.

The New York Times

This is what the average person scores.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the average person, that's almost impossible.

The New York Times

The average person never does abstract reasoning.

The Washington Post

Why should the average person care about this potential loss?

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What can the average person--the average patient--do?

Duke University

The average person on the street has no idea".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistics or trends, use "the average person" to help your audience relate to abstract data by grounding it in a relatable concept. For example, "The average person spends approximately 3 hours per day on social media" makes the statistic more understandable.

Common error

Be careful not to assume uniformity when using the phrase "the average person". Recognize that averages mask a wide range of individual experiences and circumstances. Qualify your statements where necessary to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or overlooking important differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the average person" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a hypothetical individual who embodies the typical characteristics, behaviors, or experiences of a particular population group. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

23%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the average person" serves as a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a typical individual, widely used across diverse contexts like news, academia and everyday conversation. Ludwig provides ample examples showcasing its usage. While versatile, it's important to avoid overgeneralizations, recognizing the diversity within populations. Alternatives include "the typical individual" and "the ordinary citizen", each carrying subtle differences in connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the typical individual

Focuses on the representativeness of the individual within a larger group.

the everyday individual

Underscores the routine and normalcy of a person's life.

the common person

Stresses the shared qualities and experiences of people without special status.

the normal person

Emphasizes the conformity of the individual to expected behaviors and characteristics.

the ordinary citizen

Emphasizes the person's role within a civic or societal context.

the average human being

A more formal and somewhat clinical way to refer to a typical person.

the average Joe

An informal idiom referring to a common, unremarkable man.

the average member of society

Highlights the person's place within a structured community.

the man on the street

Highlights opinions or experiences of people encountered randomly in public.

the general public

Refers to the population at large, considered as a single entity.

FAQs

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

Use "the average person" to refer to a typical or ordinary individual, such as "The new policy will likely affect "the average person" in several ways".

What are some alternatives to "the average person"?

You can use alternatives like "the typical individual", "the ordinary citizen", or "the common person" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "average person" or "typical person"?

Both "average person" and "typical person" are generally interchangeable, but "average person" often implies a statistical average, while "typical person" suggests someone representative of a group. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "the average person" and "the general public"?

"The average person" refers to an individual representative of a group, whereas "the general public" refers to the population as a whole. "The average person" focuses on individual experience, while "the general public" considers collective behavior or opinion.