Average Out – Meaning and Examples
You had a tough week: Monday was super busy, but Friday was slow. In the end, your workload **averaged out**. Or maybe your test scores are 90, 70, and 80—your teacher says they’ll **average out** to a B. The phrasal verb average out is used when high and low amounts, results, or experiences balance each other to create a middle or typical value. It’s common in math, work, daily life—and now you’ll know how to use it naturally.
What Does “Average Out” Mean?
“Average out” means that different numbers, results, or experiences balance each other to form a typical or fair middle point. Think of it like smoothing out bumps on a road—the highs and lows even out over time. It’s not about one perfect moment; it’s about the overall picture.
When to Use It
Use “average out” in practical, real-life situations like:
- School or grades: “Your scores will average out by the end of the term.”
- Work or income: “Some weeks I earn more, some less—but it averages out.”
- Time or effort: “We argued a lot at first, but things averaged out.”
- Budgeting: “The expensive meals and cheap ones averaged out to $10 a day.”
It’s neutral—great for speaking and semi-formal writing (like emails or reports). Avoid it in highly technical math contexts where “calculate the mean” is preferred.
Example Sentences
- Don’t worry about one bad game—your performance will average out.
- Our travel costs averaged out to about $50 per person.
- Some days are chaotic, others calm. It all averages out in the end.
- Even if you miss one class, your attendance should average out fine.
Mini Dialogue
Riya: “I got a 60 on the first quiz… Am I failing?”
Dev: “Relax! You aced the last two. It’ll average out.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use it for single events: “My rent averages out.” (No—rent is fixed!)
✅ Do use it when multiple values or experiences are involved: “My weekly hours average out to 35.”
Practice Tip
Practice Tip
Track something simple this week (steps, mood, coffee cups). At the end, say: “It averaged out to ___.”
Final Note
“Average out” helps you talk about balance and fairness in English—whether with numbers or life itself. Now you can use it to reassure, explain, or reflect with confidence. Keep noticing patterns around you… and remember, even ups and downs can average out to something great. You’re doing wonderfully—keep going!
