Common Mistakes : Average

 noun

.BAD: The average of hours spent watching television has increased

.GOOD: The average number of hours spent watching television has increased

.GOOD: The average hours spent watching television have increased

an/the average of + NUMBER

.The average of 3, 4 and 8 is 5

.The test results produced an average of 65 per cent

the average number/amount/level/age of + NOUN

.The average age of the children is five years and seven months

an/the average + NOUN

.The average salary is $2100 a month

 adjective

BAD: The article was about average British people and their reluctance to learn foreign languages

GOOD: The article was about typical British people and their reluctance to learn foreign languages

BAD: The Los Angeles Medical Centre announced that the average AIDS patient requires about two to three months of hospitalization

GOOD: The Los Angeles Medical Centre announced that the typical AIDS patient requires about two to three months of hospitalization

average = not special or unusual in any way; of the usual standard or level

.Anyone of average intelligence knows that drugs are dangerous

.The average student takes about two hours to complete the test

typical = having the same appearance, behaviour or characteristics as a particular type of person or thing

.McGarron looked like a typical American car salesman

.John’s wife is a typical teacher