In English, nouns often have both singular and plural forms, and understanding their correct usage is essential for clear communication. “Criteria” and “criterion” are two such words, with “criteria” being the plural form and “criterion” being the singular form. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their correct usage.
Criterion
Definition:
“Criterion” is the singular form of the word, referring to a standard or principle used for judgment, evaluation, or decision-making. It denotes a singular basis for assessment.
Examples of use:
The most important criterion for us is customer acceptance.
Each applicant must meet the criterion of having at least five years of experience.
The committee established a clear criterion for selecting the winning proposal.
Criteria
Definition:
“Criteria” is the plural form of the word, used when referring to multiple standards or principles for judgment, evaluation, or decision-making. It indicates the existence of several bases for assessment.
Examples of use:
They identified 10 important criteria for their business plan.
The job posting lists specific criteria that candidates must meet.
The project will be evaluated based on various criteria, including cost, efficiency, and sustainability.
Understanding the difference between “criterion” and “criteria” is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. “Criterion” is singular, denoting a single standard, while “criteria” is plural, indicating multiple standards. By using these terms accurately, one can effectively communicate assessments, evaluations, and judgment criteria in various contexts. Additionally, it’s important to note that while some sources accept “criterions” as the plural of “criterion,” “criteria” is the more widely accepted form.
