Meaning & use
on average
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Typically or usually, when you consider all the numbers or cases together as a whole.
Grammar: Often used at the beginning or end of a sentence; it does not change form.
Patterns
- on average, + clause
- something happens on average
On average, students in this class spend two hours on homework each night.
The train is on average ten minutes late during rush hour.
On average, people in this city live to about eighty.
phrasefixed phrase
Calculated by adding amounts and dividing by the number of items.
Grammar: Used when talking about a mathematical mean, often before a number.
Patterns
- on average, + number
- cost on average
Houses in this area sell on average for $300,000.
The temperature in July is on average 25 degrees.
Common combinations
- on average per day
- She drinks about two cups of coffee on average per day.
- on average, people
- On average, people check their phones every twelve minutes.
- cost on average
- Tickets cost on average fifty dollars.
- on average over the year
- Sales were up on average over the year.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: on average or in average?
on average vs in average
Not a standard phrase; use 'on average' or 'on an average'.
Practice
Choose the best sentence.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'on average'. 'In average' and 'at average' are not used; 'on the average' is possible but much less common.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on average”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.