Is Criterion Singular or Plural?
Criterion is singular. It refers to a single standard, rule, or principle used to judge something. The plural form is criteria. This is a common point of confusion because many English learners (and even native speakers) treat “criteria” as a singular noun, but it is not. Understanding this distinction is essential for clear, professional writing in business, academic, and formal contexts.
Quick Answer
Use criterion when you are talking about one standard. Use criteria when you are talking about two or more standards. For example: “The main criterion is cost.” vs. “Several criteria must be met.” Remember that “criteria” is the plural form and should always be used with a plural verb (e.g., “criteria are,” not “criteria is”).
Why This Confusion Happens
The confusion arises because “criterion” comes from Greek, and it follows a less common pluralization pattern. Many English words that end in “-on” change to “-a” in the plural (e.g., phenomenon → phenomena, automaton → automata). Because “criteria” ends in “-a,” it sounds like a singular feminine noun in some languages (like Spanish or Italian), leading people to mistakenly treat it as singular. In everyday conversation, you might even hear “criteria” used as a singular noun, but this is considered incorrect in formal writing and careful speech.
Formal vs. Informal Use
In formal business writing, academic papers, and professional emails, you should always follow the correct singular/plural distinction. Using “criteria” as a singular noun will look like a mistake to careful readers. In informal conversation or internal team chats, the rule is sometimes bent, but it is safer to use the correct form. If you are unsure, default to the formal usage—it shows attention to detail.
Comparison Table: Criterion vs. Criteria
| Feature | Criterion (Singular) | Criteria (Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Number | One | Two or more |
| Verb agreement | Singular verb (e.g., is, was, has) | Plural verb (e.g., are, were, have) |
| Example sentence | The main criterion is customer satisfaction. | Several criteria were used to evaluate the proposals. |
| Common mistake | Using “criteria” as singular | Using “criterias” (not a word) |
| Context | Formal and informal | Formal and informal |
Natural Examples
Here are examples that show how “criterion” and “criteria” are used in real business and everyday situations.
Business and Professional Context
- Correct: “The key criterion for promotion is consistent performance.” (One standard)
- Correct: “The criteria for this project include budget, timeline, and quality.” (Three standards)
- Correct: “Each criterion must be clearly defined before the review.” (Each single standard)
- Correct: “All criteria have been satisfied.” (Plural verb “have”)
Academic Context
- Correct: “The professor explained the main criterion for the essay.”
- Correct: “The criteria for grading are clearly listed in the syllabus.”
- Correct: “One important criterion is originality of thought.”
Everyday Conversation
- Correct: “My only criterion for a good movie is that it keeps me interested.”
- Correct: “What criteria do you use when choosing a restaurant?”
- Correct: “That is not a fair criterion.”
Common Mistakes
Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Using “criteria” as a singular noun
Incorrect: “The criteria is very strict.”
Correct: “The criteria are very strict.” (Because “criteria” is plural, use “are.”)
Incorrect: “This criteria does not apply.”
Correct: “This criterion does not apply.” (Use “criterion” for one.)
Mistake 2: Adding an “s” to “criteria”
Incorrect: “We have several criterias to consider.”
Correct: “We have several criteria to consider.” (The word “criteria” is already plural.)
Mistake 3: Using “criterion” for multiple items
Incorrect: “There are three main criterion.”
Correct: “There are three main criteria.”
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
Sometimes, using “criterion” or “criteria” can sound overly formal or technical. In less formal contexts, you can use simpler alternatives. However, in business or academic writing, the precise terms are often preferred.
- Instead of “criterion”: You can use “standard,” “rule,” “measure,” “requirement,” or “benchmark.” Example: “The main requirement is a degree.”
- Instead of “criteria”: You can use “requirements,” “conditions,” “specifications,” or “guidelines.” Example: “The job requirements include five years of experience.”
- When to use “criterion/criteria”: Use these words when you are talking about formal evaluation, judgment, or decision-making processes. They are common in performance reviews, project selection, academic grading, and research methodology.
- When to use alternatives: Use simpler words in internal emails, casual conversation, or when your audience may not be familiar with the formal terms.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct word (criterion or criteria) to complete each sentence. Answers are below.
- The main __________ for hiring is relevant experience.
- All __________ must be met before the project is approved.
- This __________ is not negotiable.
- What __________ did you use to make your decision?
Answers:
- criterion (singular, one main standard)
- criteria (plural, all standards)
- criterion (singular, one standard)
- criteria (plural, multiple standards)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is “criteria” ever used as a singular noun in professional writing?
No, in professional and academic writing, “criteria” should always be treated as a plural noun. Using it as a singular is considered a grammatical error. Stick with “criterion” for the singular form.
2. What is the plural of “criterion”?
The plural is “criteria.” There is no other accepted plural form. Do not use “criterions” or “criterias.”
3. Can I use “criterion” in an email to my boss?
Yes, it is appropriate in formal and semi-formal emails. For example: “The main criterion for the budget approval is a clear ROI.” If you want to sound less formal, you could say “requirement” instead.
4. How do I remember the difference between criterion and criteria?
Think of the word “phenomenon” (singular) and “phenomena” (plural). The pattern is the same. Another trick: “criterion” has the word “one” hidden in it (criterion sounds like “one”), and “criteria” has the letter “a” which can remind you of “many.”
Final Tip for Business Writing
When you are writing a report, proposal, or email that involves evaluation, take a moment to check whether you are talking about one standard or multiple. If it is one, use “criterion.” If it is more than one, use “criteria” with a plural verb. This small attention to detail will make your writing more precise and professional. For more help with similar tricky plurals, explore our Singular or Plural Checks category. You can also review Common Plural Forms for other frequently confused words.
