Criterion Plural Form: Rule, Examples, and Mistakes
The plural of criterion is criteria. This is a direct rule: criterion is a singular noun that follows the Greek plural pattern, changing the -on ending to -a. You should use criteria when referring to more than one standard, principle, or test by which something is judged. For example, “The committee applied several criteria to evaluate the proposals.”
Quick Answer: Criterion vs. Criteria
| Form | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Criterion (singular) | One standard or rule | “This is the main criterion for admission.” |
| Criteria (plural) | Two or more standards or rules | “These are the criteria we must meet.” |
Remember: Criteria is always plural. Using criteria as a singular noun is a common error in both formal and informal English.
Understanding the Rule
Criterion comes from Greek, not Latin. Many English words borrowed from Greek retain their original plural endings. The pattern is -on (singular) to -a (plural). Other words that follow this pattern include phenomenon (plural: phenomena) and automaton (plural: automata).
This rule is fixed in academic and professional English. You will see criteria used in research papers, business reports, legal documents, and formal evaluations. In everyday conversation, some native speakers mistakenly treat criteria as singular, but careful writers and speakers avoid this.
Formal vs. Informal Context
In formal writing—such as academic essays, grant applications, or policy documents—you must use criterion for singular and criteria for plural. Using criteria as a singular noun in these contexts will appear uneducated or careless.
In informal conversation or casual email, you might hear someone say, “What is the main criteria?” This is grammatically incorrect but common. If you want to sound precise and professional, always use criterion for one item.
Comparison Table: Criterion vs. Criteria in Use
| Context | Correct Singular | Correct Plural | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic grading | “The criterion for an A is consistent accuracy.” | “The criteria for grading include accuracy and clarity.” | “The criteria for an A is consistent accuracy.” |
| Job application | “Experience is the key criterion.” | “We have three criteria for this role.” | “We have three criteria for this role.” (This is actually correct if you mean three separate standards. The mistake is using “criteria” as singular.) |
| Research study | “This criterion was used to select participants.” | “Several criteria were applied.” | “Several criteria was applied.” |
| Everyday decision | “Cost is my main criterion.” | “My criteria are cost and location.” | “My criteria is cost and location.” |
Natural Examples
Here are examples you might hear or write in real situations:
- In an email to a professor: “Could you clarify the criterion for the final project?” (singular, one standard)
- In a team meeting: “We need to agree on the criteria before we start evaluating.” (plural, multiple standards)
- In a conversation with a friend: “What criterion did you use to pick that restaurant?” (singular, one reason)
- In a business report: “The selection criteria are listed in Appendix A.” (plural, formal tone)
- In a study guide: “Each criterion is weighted equally.” (singular, academic context)
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “Criteria” as a Singular Noun
Incorrect: “The main criteria is cost.”
Correct: “The main criterion is cost.”
Why: Criteria is plural, so it must take a plural verb (are) and cannot be described as “main” if you mean one. Use criterion for a single standard.
Mistake 2: Using “Criterias” as a Plural
Incorrect: “We have several criterias to consider.”
Correct: “We have several criteria to consider.”
Why: Criteria is already the plural form. Adding an -s is redundant and incorrect.
Mistake 3: Confusing “Criterion” with “Standard” or “Rule”
While criterion is similar to standard or rule, it specifically refers to a principle or test used for judgment. For example, “The criterion for success is customer satisfaction.” You would not say “The rule for success” in the same way. Criterion implies a measurable or evaluative condition.
Better Alternatives and When to Use Them
If you are unsure about criterion and criteria, you can sometimes use simpler words. However, in academic or professional writing, criterion and criteria are the precise terms.
| Instead of | Use | When |
|---|---|---|
| Criterion (singular) | Standard, requirement, condition, factor | In informal writing or when you want to avoid confusion. For example, “The main requirement is a degree.” |
| Criteria (plural) | Standards, requirements, conditions, factors | In everyday speech or simple emails. For example, “What are the requirements?” |
When to use criterion or criteria: Use these words in formal contexts such as academic papers, research proposals, job descriptions, evaluation forms, and policy documents. They show precision and a command of formal English. In casual conversation, you can use simpler alternatives without losing meaning.
Mini Practice: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct word (criterion or criteria) for each sentence. Answers are below.
- The main __________ for this scholarship is financial need.
- We have established several __________ for the new hire.
- Each __________ must be met before approval.
- What are the __________ for a passing grade?
Answers:
- criterion (singular, one main standard)
- criteria (plural, several standards)
- criterion (singular, each individual standard)
- criteria (plural, multiple standards for a grade)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “criteria” ever correct as a singular noun?
No. In standard English, criteria is always plural. Some dictionaries note that criteria is occasionally used as a singular in informal speech, but this is not accepted in formal writing. Stick with criterion for singular use.
2. Can I use “criterions” as a plural?
No. Criterions is not a standard English word. The only correct plural is criteria.
3. What is the difference between “criterion” and “standard”?
A criterion is a specific test or principle used to make a judgment. A standard is a level of quality or achievement. For example, “The criterion for selection is experience” (the test), while “The standard is five years of experience” (the level). They are related but not identical.
4. How do I remember the plural of “criterion”?
Think of other Greek words ending in -on that change to -a: phenomenon becomes phenomena. Practice with a short phrase: “One criterion, many criteria.” Repetition in writing will help you remember.
Final Note
Mastering the plural of criterion is a small but important step in writing accurate English. Use criterion for one standard and criteria for two or more. Avoid the common mistake of treating criteria as singular, and you will sound more careful and professional in your academic and professional communication. For more help with similar plural rules, explore our Plural Spelling Rules section. If you have further questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.
