What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
average
Example
The average height of the students in the class is 160 centimeters. [average: noun]
Example
On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the task. [average: adverb]
typical
Example
This is a typical example of a traditional Japanese dish. [typical: adjective]
Example
In a typical day, I wake up at 7 am and have breakfast. [typical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Typical is more commonly used than average in everyday language. Typical is versatile and can be used in various situations to describe what is considered normal or representative. Average, on the other hand, is more specific and commonly used in statistical or mathematical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between average and typical?
Both average and typical can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, average is more commonly used in formal settings, especially when discussing numerical data or statistics.