Quick Answer: Criterion vs. Criteria

• Singular: criterion (one standard or principle)
• Plural: criteria (two or more standards or principles)
• Common mistake: Using criteria as a singular noun (e.g., “This criteria is important” → should be “This criterion is important”)
• Never use: criterias (this is not a correct English word)

The Rule Explained

Criterion is a singular noun that refers to a single standard, rule, or test by which something is judged. Criteria is its plural form. This is a Greek-derived plural, similar to phenomenon (singular) and phenomena (plural), or datum (singular) and data (plural). In formal and academic English, the distinction is strict. In everyday conversation, you will sometimes hear criteria used as a singular noun, but careful writers and speakers avoid this.

Formal vs. Informal Context

In formal business writing, academic papers, and professional emails, always use criterion for singular and criteria for plural. In informal conversation, some people treat criteria as both singular and plural, but this is not considered correct in standard English. If you want to sound professional and precise, follow the formal rule.

Comparison Table: Criterion vs. Criteria

Natural Examples

Here are examples that show how criterion and criteria are used in real business and everyday situations.

In Business Emails

• “The selection criterion for this position is five years of experience.” (singular)
• “We have established three criteria for evaluating vendors: price, delivery time, and customer support.” (plural)
• “Please confirm that this criterion applies to all departments.” (singular)
• “The criteria were discussed in yesterday’s meeting.” (plural)

In Conversation

• “What is the main criterion for choosing a supplier?” (singular)
• “There are too many criteria to consider at once.” (plural)
• “That criterion doesn’t seem fair.” (singular)
• “The criteria have changed since last year.” (plural)

In Reports and Presentations

• “Profitability is the most important criterion in our decision.” (singular)
• “We applied the same criteria to all candidates.” (plural)
• “Each criterion must be met before approval.” (singular)
• “The criteria include both quantitative and qualitative factors.” (plural)

Common Mistakes

Even experienced English users make errors with criterion and criteria. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using “Criteria” as a Singular Noun

Incorrect: “This criteria is not acceptable.”
Correct: “This criterion is not acceptable.”
Why: Criteria is plural, so it needs a plural verb and cannot be used with this (which is singular). Use criterion for one item.

Mistake 2: Adding -s to Make “Criterias”

Incorrect: “We have several criterias to meet.”
Correct: “We have several criteria to meet.”
Why: Criteria is already plural. Adding -s is redundant and incorrect. The word criterias does not exist in standard English.

Mistake 3: Using “Criterion” as a Plural Noun

Incorrect: “All criterion have been reviewed.”
Correct: “All criteria have been reviewed.”
Why: Criterion is singular. When referring to more than one, use criteria and a plural verb.

Mistake 4: Confusing “Criterion” with “Standard” or “Requirement”

Incorrect: “The main criteria is customer satisfaction.” (using criteria as singular)
Correct: “The main criterion is customer satisfaction.”
Why: Even if you mean one standard, use the singular form criterion. The word criteria should only appear with plural verbs and references.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

Sometimes you may want to avoid confusion by using a different word. Here are some alternatives and the contexts where they work well.

When to Use “Criterion”

Use criterion when you are talking about one specific standard or principle. It is the most precise word for formal writing. Example: “The only criterion for entry is a valid ticket.”

When to Use “Criteria”

Use criteria when you have two or more standards. Example: “The criteria for promotion include performance, attendance, and teamwork.”

Alternative Words

• Standard: A good alternative when you mean a level of quality. Example: “We set a high standard for customer service.”
• Requirement: Use this when something is mandatory. Example: “Meeting the deadline is a requirement.”
• Measure: Works well when you talk about how something is evaluated. Example: “Profit is one measure of success.”
• Benchmark: Good for comparing performance. Example: “Industry benchmarks are our criteria for evaluation.”

Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct word (criterion or criteria) for each sentence. Answers are below.

1. The main __________ for hiring is relevant experience.
2. All __________ must be satisfied before the project starts.
3. This __________ is too vague to be useful.
4. We have established several __________ for the audit.

Answers

1. criterion (singular: one main standard)
2. criteria (plural: all standards)
3. criterion (singular: this one standard)
4. criteria (plural: several standards)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is “criteria” singular or plural?

Criteria is plural. The singular form is criterion. In very informal speech, some people use criteria as a singular noun, but this is not considered correct in standard English. For business writing, exams, and professional communication, always treat criteria as plural.

2. Can I use “criterias” in any context?

No. Criterias is not a standard English word. The correct plural is criteria. If you hear someone say criterias, it is a mistake. Stick with criteria for the plural form.

3. What is the difference between “criterion” and “standard”?

A criterion is a specific principle or test used to make a judgment. A standard is a level of quality or achievement. For example, “accuracy” can be a criterion for evaluating a report, while “99% accuracy” is a standard. They are related but not identical.

4. How do I remember the correct plural of “criterion”?

Think of other Greek words that follow the same pattern: phenomenon becomes phenomena, and datum becomes data. If you remember that criterion belongs to this group, you will naturally use criteria as the plural. A simple trick: if you mean one, say criterion; if you mean more than one, say criteria.

Final Tips for Using Criterion and Criteria

• Always check subject-verb agreement: criterion takes a singular verb, criteria takes a plural verb.
• In formal writing, never use criteria as a singular noun.
• If you are unsure, rephrase the sentence to avoid the word. For example, instead of “The criteria is…” say “The set of criteria includes…”
• Practice by writing your own sentences with both forms. This will help you build confidence.

For more help with plural forms, visit our Plural Spelling Rules section. If you have questions about other confusing plurals, check our Confusing Plurals category. For general questions, see our FAQ page.