the authorities: ‘The authorities estimate that nearly 100,000 immigrants have entered the country illegally.’ As a countable noun, authority refers to an official group or organization that controls an area or activity: ‘You can claim housing benefit from your local authority.’ average 1
The article was about average British people and their reluctance to learn foreign
languages.
The article was about typical British people and their reluctance to learn foreign languages. The Los Angeles Medical Centre announced that the average AIDS patient requires
about two to three months of hospitalization.
The Los Angeles Medical Centre announced that the typical AIDS patient requires about two to three months of hospitalization. average = not special or unusual in any way; of the usual standard or level: ‘Anyone of average intelligence knows that drugs are dangerous.’ ‘The average student takes about two hours to complete the test.’ typical = having the same appearance, behaviour or characteristics as a particular type of person or thing: ‘McGarron looked like a typical American car salesman.’ ‘John’s wife is a typical teacher.’ 2
The average of hours spent watching television has increased.
The average number of hours spent watching television has increased. The average hours spent watching television have increased. an/the average of + NUMBER: ‘The average of 3,4 and 8 is 5.’ ‘The test results produced an average of 65 per cent.’ the average number/amount/level/age of + NOUN: ‘The average age of the children is five years and seven months.’
