When it comes to describing something as either average or ordinary, many people tend to use the terms interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two that should not be overlooked. In this article, we will explore the meanings of these two words and their proper usage in different contexts.
It is important to note that both average and ordinary can be used to describe something that is typical or common. However, the term average is more commonly used in a statistical or mathematical context, while ordinary is used in a more general sense.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, average is defined as “a single value (such as a mean, mode, or median) that summarizes or represents the general significance of a set of unequal values.” In other words, average is a mathematical calculation that represents the middle value in a set of numbers.
On the other hand, ordinary is defined as “having no special or distinctive features; normal.” This term is more subjective and can be used to describe anything that is not unusual or remarkable.
It is important to use the correct term in the appropriate context to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. For example, if you are describing the average temperature in a city, you would use the term average. However, if you are describing an ordinary day in that same city, you would use the term ordinary.
Now that we have established the difference between these two terms, let’s explore some examples of their usage in different contexts.
Define Average
When we talk about average, we refer to a value that represents the typical or central value in a set of data. It is calculated by adding up all the values in a set and dividing the sum by the total number of values. The result is a single value that represents the overall trend of the data. For example, if we take the average of a set of test scores, we get a value that represents the typical performance of the group.
It is important to note that the average can be influenced by outliers or extreme values in the data set. This means that if there are a few very high or very low values, the average may not accurately represent the majority of the data.
Define Ordinary
Ordinary, on the other hand, refers to something that is common or usual. It is a subjective term that can vary depending on the context. For example, what may be ordinary in one culture or society may be considered unusual in another.
When we talk about ordinary in the context of data, we are usually referring to the most common value or values in a set. This can be determined by looking at the frequency distribution of the data. For example, if we have a set of test scores and most of the students scored in the range of 70-80, we can say that the range of 70-80 is the ordinary range.
It is important to note that ordinary does not necessarily mean average. The most common value in a set may not be the same as the central or typical value represented by the average.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can make a huge difference in how your message is received. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at how to properly use the words “average” and “ordinary” in a sentence.
How To Use “Average” In A Sentence
The word “average” is used to describe something that is typical or normal. Here are some examples of how to use “average” in a sentence:
- The average temperature in July is 85 degrees.
- On average, people spend three hours a day on their phones.
- The average height for a man is 5’9″.
As you can see, “average” is used to describe something that is typical or normal for a particular group or situation.
How To Use “Ordinary” In A Sentence
The word “ordinary” is used to describe something that is common or unremarkable. Here are some examples of how to use “ordinary” in a sentence:
- He wore an ordinary black suit to the wedding.
- The restaurant serves ordinary food at reasonable prices.
- She lived an ordinary life until she won the lottery.
As you can see, “ordinary” is used to describe something that is common or unremarkable. It can also be used to describe something that is not special or unique.
More Examples Of Average & Ordinary Used In Sentences
As we continue to explore the difference between average and ordinary, it’s important to see how these words are used in everyday sentences. Below are some examples of how to use average and ordinary in a sentence:
Examples Of Using Average In A Sentence
- The average lifespan of a cat is around 15 years.
- The average temperature in the desert can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The average cost of a wedding in the United States is $33,900.
- On average, Americans spend 2.5 hours per day on social media.
- The average height for men in the United States is 5’9″.
- She received an average grade of B in her math class.
- The average commute time in New York City is 45 minutes.
- The average rainfall in Seattle is 38 inches per year.
- He scored an average of 20 points per game during the basketball season.
- The average price of a gallon of gas in California is $4.00.
Examples Of Using Ordinary In A Sentence
- He was just an ordinary guy, working a 9-5 job.
- The food at the restaurant was ordinary, nothing special.
- She wore an ordinary outfit to the party.
- It was an ordinary day, nothing out of the ordinary happened.
- The hotel room was ordinary, nothing luxurious.
- He had an ordinary childhood, growing up in a small town.
- The painting was ordinary, lacking any unique style.
- She had an ordinary singing voice, nothing exceptional.
- The book was ordinary, lacking any profound insights.
- He lived an ordinary life, never achieving anything remarkable.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms average and ordinary, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these terms have distinct meanings and should not be used in the same context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Average” To Mean “Ordinary”
One common mistake is using “average” to mean “ordinary.” While these terms are similar, they have different meanings. Average refers to the mathematical mean of a set of numbers or values, while ordinary refers to something that is common or usual.
For example, saying “The weather today is average” is incorrect. It would be more appropriate to say “The weather today is ordinary” if it is neither particularly good nor bad.
Using “Ordinary” To Mean “Average”
Conversely, using “ordinary” to mean “average” is also a common mistake. Ordinary refers to something that is common or usual, while average refers to the mathematical mean of a set of numbers or values.
For instance, saying “The average person has two children” is correct, while saying “The ordinary person has two children” is incorrect.
Not Considering Context
Another mistake people make is not considering context when using these terms. The meaning of average and ordinary can vary depending on the context in which they are used.
For example, if you say “The average salary in the United States is $50,000,” it means that the total salaries of all Americans are divided by the number of people in the workforce. However, if you say “The ordinary salary in the United States is $50,000,” it means that most people earn around that amount.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
Here are some tips to avoid making these mistakes:
- Understand the difference between average and ordinary
- Consider the context in which you are using these terms
- Use the appropriate term based on its definition and the context of your sentence
By following these tips, you can avoid using average and ordinary interchangeably and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “average” and “ordinary,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between these two words might change.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, precision and clarity are paramount. When discussing statistical data, the term “average” is often preferred because it is a more specific term that refers to a mathematical calculation. However, in other contexts, such as describing a person or object, “ordinary” may be a better choice because it carries connotations of commonness or lack of distinction.
Marketing
When it comes to marketing, the choice between “average” and “ordinary” can have a significant impact on how a product or service is perceived. For example, a company may choose to use the term “average” to describe their product in order to position it as being on par with competitors. On the other hand, using the term “ordinary” may suggest that the product is unremarkable or lacking in quality.
Social Situations
In social situations, the choice between “average” and “ordinary” can depend on the tone and context of the conversation. For example, if someone were to describe a person as “average-looking,” it may be seen as a neutral or even complimentary statement. However, if the same person were described as “ordinary-looking,” it may be perceived as insulting or dismissive.
Overall, the choice between “average” and “ordinary” depends on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the connotations and implications of each word in order to choose the one that best fits the situation.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using average and ordinary are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions that should be noted. Below are some cases where the typical rules may not apply:
1. Outliers
Outliers are data points that are significantly different from the other data in a set. When calculating an average, outliers can skew the result and make it less representative of the overall data. In these cases, it may be more appropriate to use the median instead of the mean. For example, if a company is calculating the average salary of its employees, but one employee makes significantly more or less than the others, using the median salary would provide a more accurate representation of what the majority of employees earn.
2. Weighted Averages
Weighted averages take into account the importance or significance of different data points. For example, if a student’s final grade is calculated based on multiple assignments, but some assignments are worth more than others, a weighted average would be more appropriate than a simple average. In these cases, each data point is multiplied by a weight that reflects its importance before being averaged together.
3. Contextual Differences
There may be cases where the context of the data being analyzed makes a difference in whether to use average or ordinary. For example, in the stock market, the average rate of return for a particular investment may not be as important as the ordinary rate of return, which takes into account the timing and amount of each investment. Similarly, in sports, the average number of points scored by a team may not be as relevant as the ordinary number of points scored per game, which provides a more accurate representation of the team’s performance.
Practice Exercises
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between average and ordinary, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either average or ordinary:
- The __________ person spends about 2 hours per day on social media.
- The __________ temperature for this time of year is around 70 degrees.
- She was an __________ student, never excelling in any one subject.
- The __________ lifespan of a domestic cat is 12-15 years.
- He was just an __________ guy, nothing special about him.
Answer Key:
- average
- average
- ordinary
- average
- ordinary
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Select the correct word (average or ordinary) to complete each sentence:
- The __________ height of a male in the US is around 5’9″.
- a. average
- b. ordinary
- a. average
- b. ordinary
- a. average
- b. ordinary
- a. average
- b. ordinary
- a. average
- b. ordinary
Answer Key:
- a. average
- b. ordinary
- a. average
- b. ordinary
- a. average
By practicing these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use average and ordinary in your writing and conversations. Remember, average refers to a statistical measure while ordinary refers to something that is typical or commonplace.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between average and ordinary, it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Average refers to the mathematical mean of a set of numbers, while ordinary refers to something that is common or typical.
It is important to understand the difference between these two terms, especially when it comes to language use and grammar. Using the wrong term can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Key Takeaways
- The term average refers to the mathematical mean of a set of numbers.
- The term ordinary refers to something that is common or typical.
- Using the wrong term can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
To improve your language use and grammar, it is important to continue learning and expanding your knowledge. By doing so, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively.
So, keep learning and exploring the nuances of language and grammar, and strive to use language accurately and effectively in all your communications.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.