The correct version to use when referring to the average or usual value of something is ‘on average.’ The phrase ‘in average’ is incorrect and no longer used. While ‘in average’ was historically more popular, it has since fallen out of favor. According to a graph, ‘on average’ is the most commonly used phrase, with the New York Times website mentioning it 35,000 times compared to ‘in average’ being mentioned 3,230 times.
‘On average’ indicates that a value or number is typically correct and is widely recognized by native speakers. It is the only correct form to use and should be used when wanting to avoid skewing results. Synonyms for ‘on average’ include ‘usually,’ ‘generally,’ ‘overall,’ ‘about,’ ‘normally,’ ‘on the whole,’ ‘by and large,’ and ‘as a rule.’
In this article, we will explore the historical usage, correct preposition, popularity and frequency, as well as the meaning and usage of ‘on average’ to provide a comprehensive understanding of its correct usage.
On Average” vs “In Average”
The usage of prepositions in the phrases ‘on average’ and ‘in average’ has been a subject of debate, with ‘on average’ being the correct and widely recognized form, while ‘in average’ is considered archaic and no longer used.
When comparing ‘on average’ with other prepositions, it is clear that ‘in average’ is not the appropriate choice. Common mistakes occur when individuals mistakenly use ‘in average’ instead of ‘on average,’ possibly due to its historical popularity. However, it is important to note that ‘in average’ is never correct to use.
The correct and widely recognized form is ‘on average,’ which is supported by its extensive usage in reputable sources like The New York Times. It is crucial to use the correct preposition in order to convey accuracy and clarity in our communication.
Historical Usage
Historically, the preposition ‘in average’ was more commonly used but has since fallen out of favor. Language evolution and changes in usage patterns have contributed to this shift. As shown in the table below, the phrase ‘in average’ was widely used in the past but has experienced a significant decline in popularity. On the other hand, ‘on average’ has become the preferred and correct form of the expression. This shift can be attributed to the recognition that ‘on average’ aligns better with the meaning and intended usage of the phrase. The historical context of language usage helps us understand how certain expressions evolve and change over time.
| Phrase | Frequency |
|---|---|
| In average | 3,230 |
| On average | 35,000 |
Correct Preposition
Notably, the preposition ‘on average’ has gained prominence over the archaic usage of ‘in average’, reflecting the evolving language patterns and preferences. This shift in usage can be attributed to the historical development of the English language and the common mistakes made by speakers.
The correct preposition, ‘on average’, is widely recognized and preferred by native speakers, as it accurately conveys the meaning of a value or number that is usually correct. The popularity of ‘on average’ is evident in its frequency of use, with 35,000 mentions on The New York Times website compared to only 3,230 mentions of ‘in average’. This preference for ‘on average’ can also be seen in a graph that shows it as the most popular choice.
Hence, it is important to avoid using the incorrect preposition ‘in average’ and instead opt for the widely accepted and correct form ‘on average’.
Popularity and Frequency
Popularity and frequency of usage can be observed by analyzing the mentions and usage of ‘on average’ and ‘in average’ on The New York Times website, where ‘on average’ appears 35,000 times compared to only 3,230 mentions of ‘in average’. This stark difference indicates the widespread recognition and acceptance of ‘on average’ among native English speakers. Additionally, the popularity of ‘on average’ extends beyond the United States, as it is widely used in other English-speaking countries as well. The rise of social media platforms has also had an impact on the usage of ‘on average’ by providing a platform for its dissemination and reinforcing its correct usage. As a result, ‘in average’ has become an archaic and incorrect prepositional choice.
| Popularity of ‘on average’ in different countries | Impact of social media on the usage of ‘on average’ |
| United States: High | Increased awareness and correct usage |
| United Kingdom: High | Reinforcement of correct preposition choice |
| Canada: High | Dissemination and recognition of ‘on average’ |
| Australia: High | Amplification of correct usage |
| New Zealand: High | Improved understanding and acceptance |
Meaning and Usage
The meaning and usage of ‘on average’ can be understood as a way to indicate the typical or usual value or number in a given set of data. It is commonly used when discussing statistical analyses, where the average is often used as a measure of central tendency. It is important to note that the average is different from the median, which represents the middle value in a set of data. While the average takes into account all the values in the dataset, the median is less affected by extreme values.
Generally, ‘on average’ is used when referring to the mean value of a dataset, while the median is used when the data is skewed or has outliers. It is crucial to choose the appropriate measure based on the nature of the data to accurately represent the typical value or number.
- ‘On average’ is a useful tool in summarizing data and providing a general understanding of a set of values.
- The median is preferred when the data is skewed or has extreme values that could heavily influence the average.
- Using the average without considering the distribution of the data can lead to misleading conclusions.
– It is important to carefully analyze the data and consider both the average and median when interpreting statistical results.
