Criteria vs Criterion
What’s the difference between them?
Criteria
Meaning:
plural of 'criterion'.
Examples:
1. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet all of the criteria.
2. The criteria for the contest are that participants must be between the ages of 18-24.
3. We used a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria to evaluate the success of our project.
Criterion
Meaning:
a standard on which a judgment or decision can be based.
Examples:
1. Meeting the required GPA is the main criterion for admission into the college.
2. The criterion for determining a winner in the contest was the highest number of points scored.
3. To measure success, one should use a clear and objective criterion.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Criteria
1. Standards
2. Requirements
3. Norms
4. Rules
5. Regulations
1. Irregularities
2. Anomalies
3. Aberrations
4. Exceptions
5. Deviations
Criterion
1. Standard
2. Requirement
3. Specification
4. Prerequisite
5. Condition
1. Invalidate
2. Accept
3. Disagree
4. Ascending
5. Decreasing
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Criteria", "Criterion".
1. Criteria is the plural form of the word criterion, meaning 'a standard, rule, or test on which a judgment or decision can be based'.
2. Mnemonic phrase: 'Criteria is for more than one criterion!'
3. Remember that the singular form ends with an 'on', while the plural form ends with an 'a'.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
When making decisions or evaluating performance, the word 'criteria' should be used. Criteria are established standards or requirements used to make judgments and can be used to make comparisons.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'criterion' is used to refer to a single measurement or standard used for evaluation. It is a singular item or item of criteria used to judge or evaluate something.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. The first word is pronounced ‘kraɪˈtɪriə’ and the second word is pronounced ‘kraɪˈtriːən’.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make when using these words is confusing them, either by using 'criteria' when they should use 'criterion' or vice versAdditionally, some may mistakenly use 'criteria' as a singular noun, which it is not.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The job was judged on two __: quality of work and customer service.
2. The professor set a __ for passing the class: a minimum of 80%.
3. The contest had strict __ that must be met to be eligible to win.
4. The team used a combination of __ to decide who to hire.
5. The judge used a single __ to determine the winner of the match.
6. The company set a high __ for selecting new vendors.
1. Criteria
Explanation: The word criteria is the plural form of the word criterion and is used to refer to the standards or requirements used to evaluate something, such as the quality of work and customer service mentioned in the sentence.
2. Criterion
Explanation: The word criterion is the singular form of the word criteria and is used to refer to a single standard or requirement, such as the minimum of 80% mentioned in the sentence.
3. Criteria
Explanation: The word criteria is the plural form of the word criterion and is used to refer to the multiple standards or requirements that must be met to be eligible to win the contest.
4. Criteria
Explanation: The word criteria is the plural form of the word criterion and is used to refer to the combination of standards or requirements used to decide who to hire.
5. Criterion
Explanation: The word criterion is the singular form of the word criteria and is used to refer to a single standard or requirement, such as the one used to determine the winner of the match.
6. Criterion
Explanation: The word criterion is the singular form of the word criteria and is used to refer to a single standard or requirement, such as the one used for selecting new vendors.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.