Thursday, August 28, 2014

Criteria vs. Criterion


Criterion means a standard on the basis of which something or someone is judged or evaluated.


Criterion is the singular form whereas Criteria is the plural form.
  • The committee identified five important criteria for their business plan. (plural form)
  • The customer feedback is the most important criterion for us. (singular form)
  • The team must satisfy all the criteria for entrance to the competition or they will be rejected. (plural form)
  • Safety should be the number one criterion when one buys a car. (singular form) 
  • Merit should be the sole criterion for judging students. (singular form)
Note: Phrases such as a criteria, single criteria, one criteria, or this criteria should be avoided.