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