Cool MateAverage vs The figures really aren't that good
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Average
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
The figures really aren't that good
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Average
| Average | The figures really aren't that good | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈævərɪdʒ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈævərɪdʒ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðə ˈfɪgəz ˈrɪəli ɑːnt ðæt ɡʊd//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈfɪɡjərz ˈrili ɑrnt ðæt ɡʊd// |
| Meaning | Not special or better than others; typical. | The numbers or results are not very good. |
| Example | The average temperature in July is often quite high. | The figures really aren't that good for our sales this quarter. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | average score, average temperature, average person, average performance, average income | figures show, figures indicate, financial figures, sales figures, data figures |
| Antonyms | exceptional, unusual, extraordinary | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'mean' — 'mean' can refer specifically to the mathematical average., Using 'average' when something is below standard — average means typical, not poor. | Confused with 'the figures' as in diagrams rather than numbers., Using 'good' instead of synonyms for a more precise meaning., Overusing in overly positive situations where the figures are actually negative. |
| Usage notes | Use 'average' to describe something that is typical or normal. Avoid it in formal writing when more specific terms are appropriate. | Use when discussing data or performance in a relatively casual context. May not be suitable for formal reports. |
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Frequently asked questions: Average vs The figures really aren't that good
What's the difference between Average and The figures really aren't that good?
Average: Not special or better than others; typical. The figures really aren't that good: The numbers or results are not very good.
Which is more common: Average and The figures really aren't that good?
Average is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Average: The average temperature in July is often quite high. The figures really aren't that good: The figures really aren't that good for our sales this quarter.
Can I use Average and The figures really aren't that good interchangeably?
Not always. Average and The figures really aren't that good are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.