well above average

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "well above average" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that significantly exceeds the typical or expected level of quality, performance, or measurement. Example: "Her performance in the competition was well above average, earning her a spot on the national team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Well above average.

The New Yorker

Their three-year performances are all well above average.

The New York Times

In fact, despite your ubiquity, you are consistently well above average.

The Guardian - Opinion

The movie generated well above average ratings and recommend scores from teenagers.

The New York Times

If you've had your fill of crepes, tarte Tatin and chocolate mousse are both well above average.

The New York Times

If a bond or bond fund is yielding well above average for its category, then assume that something is wrong.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He can hit left-handed pitching, he has well above-average power to all fields.

The New York Times - Sports

Both came to Mobile undersized and athletic and projected as well above-average coverage players.

The New York Times

The study period included one severe drought year and one year of well above-average precipitation.

Duke University

Technically, the large move up in price on well above-average volume is a bullish development, as well.

Forbes

"He has a well-above average arm he can really throw," Wilson said this week.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple items, ensure that the use of "well above average" is consistent with the other comparative terms. For example, use "average", "above average", and "well above average" to create a clear distinction.

Common error

Avoid using "well above average" without a clear point of reference. Always ensure there's a defined average for comparison, otherwise, it becomes a vague, subjective statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well above average" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, to describe a noun. It indicates that the noun's quality, quantity, or performance is significantly higher than what is considered typical or expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well above average" is a versatile and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to emphasize that something significantly exceeds the norm. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media contexts, making it suitable for various forms of writing. When using "well above average", it's important to define the point of reference to provide a clear and measurable comparison. While widely accepted and understood, remember to maintain consistency in comparative language and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly higher than average

Replaces "well" with "significantly", emphasizing the extent to which it exceeds the average.

considerably greater than average

Uses "considerably greater" to highlight a notable difference from the average.

far exceeding the average

Emphasizes the act of surpassing the average by a large margin.

substantially surpassing the average

Highlights the considerable degree to which it exceeds the average value.

markedly superior to the average

Shifts the focus to the superiority over the average, rather than just the difference.

noticeably above the norm

Indicates that the difference is easily observed and exceeds the normal level.

distinctly higher than usual

Indicates a clear difference from the typical or expected level.

exceptionally higher than the mean

Indicates rare magnitude of exceeding average, more formal.

well in excess of the average

Indicates a quantity that not only exceeds the average but does so abundantly.

premium over average

This alternative is brief and concise and suitable for financial contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "well above average" in a sentence?

Use "well above average" to describe something that is significantly higher or better than the typical standard. For example: "The student's test scores were "well above average"".

What are some alternatives to saying "well above average"?

You can use alternatives such as "significantly higher than average", "considerably greater than average", or "far exceeding the average" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "above average" or "well above average"?

"Above average" indicates something is better than the norm, while ""well above average"" emphasizes that it's significantly better. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to convey.

Can "well above average" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""well above average"" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure it aligns with the tone and precision required by the context. Consider alternatives like "substantially surpassing the average" for more formality.