Which is correct:
" was below the average" or " was below average"?

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was below the average

This phrase is correct when comparing a specific value to the average of a set of values.

This phrase is used when you want to indicate that a particular value or result is lower than the average value of a group or set of values.

Examples:

  • Her score was below the average for the class.

Alternatives:

  • was below the mean
  • was lower than the average

was below average

This phrase is correct when you want to indicate that something is lower than what is considered typical or normal.

This phrase is more general and is used to express that a particular value or result is below what is usually expected or considered average.

Examples:

  • His performance was below average this month.

Alternatives:

  • was lower than average
  • was not up to par
Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Was below the average' is used when comparing a specific value to the average of a set of values, while 'was below average' is a more general statement indicating that something was lower than what is considered typical or normal.

Last updated: March 08, 2024

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