A criterion is a standard used to judge or choose something.

The idea

Use criterion for one standard and criteria for more than one.

Examples

  • Cost is one criterion for selection.
  • The panel agreed on three criteria.
  • Safety was the main criterion.
  • The criteria include accuracy and clarity.
  • We applied the same criterion to every proposal.
  • Which criteria will guide the decision?

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not use criteria as the singular in formal writing.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form. Price is one ___. (criterion / criteria)

    Show answer or example answer

    criterion

    Criterion follows the singular phrase one.

  2. Choose the correct form. The judges listed several ___. (criterion / criteria)

    Show answer or example answer

    criteria

    Criteria names the several standards listed.

  3. Choose the correct form. Reliability is an important ___ for admission. (criterion / criteria)

    Show answer or example answer

    criterion

    Criterion follows the singular article an.

Use it today

Name two criteria you would use to choose a course.