What Does โAverage out at sthโ Mean?
โAverage out at sthโ means to calculate the average value of several amounts or results, which results in a final estimated or typical number.
Introduction
The phrase average out at sth is commonly used when talking about numbers, measurements, or results that fluctuate but can be summarized by a typical value. It helps express the idea that after considering all variations, the final or typical amount is a certain number. Understanding the average out at sth meaning is useful for describing data, prices, time durations, or other quantities in a simple way. For example, if you track daily expenses over a month, you might say they average out at $50 per day. This phrase is practical in both casual conversations and formal discussions involving statistics or everyday calculations.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: average out at something
- Type: Intransitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To have a final average value of something after considering all parts or data
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โAverage out at sthโ is an intransitive phrasal verb, which means it does not take a direct object. The phrase is usually followed by a number or value.
Pattern: average out at + number/value
Example: The costs average out at $100 per month.
Note that the phrase is not separable; you cannot put words between โaverageโ and โout.โ
How to Use โAverage out at sthโ?
Use โaverage out at sthโ when you want to talk about a typical or mean value after combining different amounts or results. It is often used in contexts involving statistics, measurements, or summaries of multiple items.
For instance, you can use it in sentences about expenses, temperatures, scores, or time durations. It helps give a clear idea of what the usual or expected figure is.
Examples
- The temperature in April averages out at 15 degrees Celsius.
- Our monthly electricity bills average out at about $70.
- After adding all the test scores, they average out at 85 percent.
- Flight delays this year average out at 20 minutes per flight.
- Average out at sth in a sentence: The cost of groceries averages out at around $200 per week.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: The prices average out $50.
Correct: The prices average out at $50. - Incorrect: They average out the results at 90.
Correct: The results average out at 90. - Incorrect: The score averages out at 90 percent correct answers.
Correct: The scores average out at 90 percent.
Differences / Synonyms
Average out at sth specifically refers to the final average after considering all data. It differs from just โaverageโ which can be a noun or verb without the phrasal verb structure.
Compare with:
- Average (verb): โThe scores average 80.โ (simple verb form without โout atโ)
- Work out: โThe total costs work out to $200.โ (focuses on calculation rather than average)
- Come to: โThe bill comes to $50.โ (final total, not average)
โAverage out at sthโ emphasizes the mean value after variation, while these others may simply describe totals or calculations.
Common Collocations
- average out at a price
- average out at a cost
- average out at a number
- average out at a temperature
- average out at a score
- average out at a time
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of average out at sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: How much do you spend on groceries each week?
Ben: It varies, but it averages out at about $150.
Anna: Thatโs helpful to know. What about utility bills?
Ben: They average out at around $100 per month.
Practice
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:
The monthly rent __________ $800 after including all fees.
- a) averages out at
- b) average out at
- c) average out
Answer: a) averages out at
FAQs
- What does โaverage out at sthโ mean? It means to find the typical or mean value after considering all amounts or results.
- Is โaverage out atโ separable? No, the phrase is inseparable and always stays together.
- Can I use โaverage out atโ with time? Yes, you can say something like โThe delays average out at 15 minutes.โ
- What level of English is โaverage out at sthโ? It is usually considered intermediate (B1) level.
- Is โaverage out atโ formal or informal? It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
