Is Criterion Singular or Plural?

The short answer is that criterion is singular, and its correct plural form is criteria. If you are talking about one standard or principle used to make a judgment, use criterion. If you are talking about two or more standards or principles, use criteria. This is a common point of confusion because many English speakers treat criteria as if it were singular, but careful writing requires the distinction.

Quick Answer

• Criterion (singular): One standard or rule for judging something.
• Criteria (plural): Two or more standards or rules for judging something.
• Example: The main criterion for admission is your grade point average. (one standard)
• Example: The selection criteria include experience, education, and references. (multiple standards)

Why This Confusion Happens

Many English words that come from Greek or Latin keep their original plural forms. Criterion comes from Greek, and its plural criteria follows the Greek pattern (like phenomenon becomes phenomena). Over time, because criteria ends in -a, some people mistakenly think it is a singular feminine noun (like agenda or data in informal use). However, in formal writing, academic work, and professional communication, the distinction between singular criterion and plural criteria is still expected.

Comparison Table: Criterion vs. Criteria

Natural Examples

Here are examples that show how these words appear in real writing, email, and conversation.

Formal / Academic Context

• The primary criterion for the research grant is originality.
• All criteria for the experiment were established before data collection began.
• Each criterion was weighted equally in the final evaluation.

Business / Email Context

• Please review the attached criteria before our meeting on Friday.
• Our main criterion when hiring is cultural fit.
• The criteria listed in the job description are non-negotiable.

Everyday Conversation

• What was your criterion for choosing that restaurant?
• We have too many criteria to agree on a movie tonight.
• Her only criterion for a vacation spot is good food.

Common Mistakes

Even native speakers make errors with these words. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using criteria as a singular noun

Incorrect: The main criteria is customer satisfaction.
Correct: The main criterion is customer satisfaction.
Why: Criteria is plural, so it needs a plural verb (are) and cannot be described as main if you mean one. Use criterion for a single standard.

Mistake 2: Using criterions as a plural

Incorrect: We have three criterions to evaluate.
Correct: We have three criteria to evaluate.
Why: Criterion does not take a regular English -s plural. The correct plural is criteria.

Mistake 3: Mixing singular and plural within the same sentence

Incorrect: This criteria is important.
Correct: This criterion is important. or These criteria are important.
Why: The demonstrative (this/these) and the verb must agree with the noun number.

Better Alternatives and When to Use Them

If you are unsure about using criterion or criteria in a less formal setting, you can use simpler alternatives. However, in academic or professional writing, it is better to use the correct form.

• Standard / Rule / Requirement – Use these in everyday conversation or informal email. Example: What is the main requirement for the job?
• Benchmark / Measure – Use these when discussing performance or evaluation. Example: We need a clear benchmark for success.
• Factor / Point – Use these when listing items in a decision. Example: Several factors influenced our choice.

When to use criterion: In formal writing, academic papers, reports, or any context where precision matters and you are referring to a single standard.

When to use criteria: In the same formal contexts, but when you have two or more standards. Also acceptable in semi-formal business writing.

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding with these four questions. Choose the correct word (criterion or criteria) for each blank.

1. The most important __________ for this scholarship is financial need.
2. All __________ must be submitted with your application.
3. We have established three __________ for evaluating the proposals.
4. That __________ alone is not enough to make a decision.

Answers

1. criterion (singular: the most important refers to one standard)
2. criteria (plural: all indicates multiple standards)
3. criteria (plural: three means more than one)
4. criterion (singular: that refers to one standard)

FAQ: Criterion vs. Criteria

1. Is it ever acceptable to use criteria as a singular noun?

In very informal spoken English, some people use criteria as a singular noun. However, this is widely considered incorrect in writing, formal speech, and professional contexts. To be safe, always use criterion for singular and criteria for plural.

2. What is the plural of criterion in British English?

The plural is the same in both American and British English: criteria. There is no difference in spelling or usage between the two varieties.

3. Can I use criterias as a plural?

No. Criterias is not a standard English word. The correct plural is criteria. Adding an extra -s is a common error.

4. How do I remember the difference between criterion and criteria?

Think of the word single for criterion (both have an -n in them). For criteria, think of many (both have an -a). Another trick: criterion rhymes with one in a loose way, while criteria sounds like area (an area can contain many things).

Final Note

Mastering the difference between criterion and criteria will make your writing more precise and professional. Whenever you are unsure, ask yourself: Am I talking about one standard or more than one? That simple check will guide you to the correct choice. For more help with similar tricky word pairs, explore our guides on Singular or Plural Checks and Confusing Plurals. If you have questions about this article, feel free to contact us or read our editorial policy for more information.