Which one is correct?
"on average" or "on the average"?

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on average

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

It is used to indicate a typical or usual amount, rate, or level.

Examples:

  • On average, the project takes about three months to complete.
  • She earns, on average, $50 per hour.
  • On average, people spend two hours a day on social media.
  • The temperature, on average, is around 25 degrees Celsius.
  • On average, students score 80% on the exam.

Alternatives:

  • typically
  • usually
  • generally speaking
  • ordinarily

on the average

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

It is also used to indicate a typical or usual amount, rate, or level.

Examples:

  • On the average, the company sells 100 units per month.
  • He weighs, on the average, 150 pounds.
  • On the average, the journey takes two hours.
  • The price, on the average, is $20.
  • On the average, students complete the assignment in one hour.

Alternatives:

  • typically
  • usually
  • generally speaking
  • ordinarily
Both 'on average' and 'on the average' are correct, but 'on average' is more commonly used in English. They are used to indicate a typical or usual amount, rate, or level.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

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