Criteria vs Criterion | Meaning & Difference
Criterion is the singular form of criteria.
- A criterion is a measure, standard or guideline used to make decisions or evaluations (e.g., “Price was the key criterion”).
- The plural of this noun is criteria (e.g., “Price was only one of the criteria”).
Criteria in a sentence | Criterion |
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We have simplified the assessment criteria. | Each criterion now only contains five descriptors. |
We need to introduce a set of objective selection criteria. | Formal academic achievements should not be the sole criterion. |
What are your criteria for judging the success of a project? | Cost is an important criterion but not the only one. |
Criteria definition
Criteria are measures, standards, or guidelines used to make assessments or decisions. The word is the plural form of the noun “criterion” and frequently combines with the verbs “meet, “use,” and “base.”
Criterion definition
A criterion is a standard, measure or factor used for making decisions or assessments (the singular form of the word “criteria”). It is used to refer to an individual element in a set of criteria and as a synonym for “requirement.”
Criterium vs criteria
Criterium is not the singular form of criteria; it is “criterion.” A criterium is a type of bicycle race that takes place on public roads.
Frequently asked questions about criteria vs criterion
- Is it criterions or criteria?
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Criterions is a rarely used plural form of the noun “criterion.” The standard plural form is criteria.
On a related note, if you’re not sure whether to use criteria or criterion: “criterion” is the singular form, and “criteria” is the plural form.
Have you tried Quillbot’s free Grammar Checker? It will help you choose the correct plural form of nouns with irregular plurals such as “criterion.”
- Is criteria singular or plural?
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This tip will help you if you’re wondering whether the word you need is criteria or criterion: in formal contexts, use criteria as a plural noun and “criterion” as a singular noun.
QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker will help you to pick up errors in subject-verb agreement such as “criteria is.”
- What is a synonym for criteria?
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Synonyms for the plural noun criteria include:
- Decision-making factors
- Evaluation guidelines
- Requirements
- Standards
- Benchmarks
On a related note, if you’re not sure whether the word you need is criteria or criterion: “criterion” is the singular and “criteria” the plural.
Have you tried QuillBot’s free Paraphraser? You can use it to help you find the best synonym for “criteria” in your specific context.