“In Average” or “On Average” – Which is Correct?
“On average” is correct. “In average” is not correct in standard English.
English prepositions can sometimes be a source of confusion due to their nuanced applications in different contexts.
When referring to averages, “in average” and “on average” are two phrases one might encounter, though one is more standard than the other. Let’s examine their correct usages.
Quick Summary
“On average” is the standard and correct way to refer to a mean or typical value in a set of data. “In average,” while sometimes heard in non-standard variations of English, is not the conventional way to refer to an average in standard English.
“In Average” vs. “On Average” – Which is Correct?
Of the two phrases, “on average” is widely accepted in standard English. “In average” is less common and not the standard phrase in this context.
| Phrase | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| On average | Referring to a mean or typical value | On average, she reads about three books a month. |
| In average | Not standard in this context | Incorrect usage: In average, he runs five miles daily. |
How to Use “On Average”
“On average” is used when you want to express a mean or typical value from a set of data.
- Example: On average, students spend about 20 hours a week studying.
How Not to Use “In Average”
“In average” is not the standard way to express an average in most contexts in English. While you might occasionally encounter this phrase in some non-standard English dialects or translations, it’s best avoided in formal writing and speech.
- Incorrect usage: The team scores in average 2 goals per match. (The correct form is “The team scores on average 2 goals per match.”)
Conclusion
When referring to averages, “on average” is the standard and accepted phrase in English. It’s used to denote a mean or typical value.
While “in average” might be encountered in some non-standard settings, it’s best to stick with “on average” for clarity and correctness in both writing and speech.
Always refer to this guide when distinguishing between “in average” and “on average” for accurate communication.
