One Rule or Many Rulers: A Criterion Comedy

Understanding “Criterion” vs. “Criteria”

Sometimes, we get confused about when to use “criterion” and “criteria.” Let’s learn what they mean, where they come from, and how we can remember the right way to use them.

The History

The words “criterion” and “criteria” both come from the Greek word kriterion. They have been used in English for a long time. “Criterion” is singular, meaning it refers to one rule or standard. “Criteria” is plural, meaning it refers to two or more rules or standards.

How to Use Them

Criterion: Use “criterion” when talking about only one single rule or standard. It tells us the way we decide or judge something.

Criteria: Use “criteria” when talking about multiple rules or standards. It helps us when we need to think about more than one thing.

Example Sentences with “Criterion”

• The criterion for winning the prize is creativity.
• One important criterion to get hired is experience.
• The criterion for the best essay is clear writing.
• We have one main criterion for choosing a leader.
• Her only criterion for picking movies is good acting.

Example Sentences with “Criteria”

• The criteria for a good job include pay and hours.
• Several criteria are used to grade a test, like timing and accuracy.
• We need to follow certain criteria when building a school.
• The criteria for choosing winners are strict and fair.
• All the criteria must be met to pass the class.

Trick to Remember the Difference

You can remember this trick: “Criterion” has one ‘r’, and it is one rule. “Criteria” has more ‘r’s’ which means it is more than one rule.

Summary

To sum up, use “criterion” for one rule or standard, and use “criteria” when talking about many rules or standards. Remember, if you’re considering just one guide, it’s criterion, and if you’re dealing with more guides, it’s criteria.