a certain criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain criterion" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific standard or rule that is being considered or applied in a situation. Example: The job application process has a certain criterion that all candidates must meet in order to be considered for the position.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The priority need list puts those who fit a certain criterion (those with children, mental health problems or other vulnerabilities and those under the age of 18) in a position to be housed quicker.

The Guardian - Opinion

The students split up into three relay teams and sprinted down the hallway toward a pile of numbered cards, racing to be the first team to collect all the ones that match a certain criterion, such as even numbers or multiples of 10.

The New York Times

If multiple channels are detected as idle, then one idle channel is selected again considering a certain criterion.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In greedy scheduling, the base station selects the best user based on a certain criterion without any consideration for fairness.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

ST can opportunistically switch between the HD mode and the FD mode according to a certain criterion.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Early termination of block-matching technique decides whether to abandon the search of the current block before starting the ABCA or not with a certain criterion SAD.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The model is validated with comparing the step responses with other two RC-network models whose parameter values are selected based on a certain criteria.

Applied Energy

The pardons are available for nonviolent felony and misdemeanor offenders who meet a certain criteria — as long as they have spent at least a decade without additional convictions, they will be eligible for the governor's pardon.

Independent

Carver told the tribunal that Gutierrez "had a certain clause in his contract if he reached a certain criteria".

BBC

Second, the evaluators found it hard to judge a certain criteria based on the ratings.

Smart Learning Environments

To assess the water quality for drinking purpose, WHO (2011) and BIS (2012) have laid down a certain criteria.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a certain criterion", ensure the specific criterion is either clearly defined within the context or is commonly understood by your audience. Avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain criterion" without providing context or clarification. If the criterion isn't self-evident, readers may become confused or misinterpret your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain criterion" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, modifying an unspecified standard or rule. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts where a specific, though not necessarily named, condition is in place.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain criterion" is a versatile phrase used to denote a particular, often unspecified, standard or rule. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and relatively common. It's frequently seen across scientific and news media, lending itself well to professional and academic writing. While alternatives like ""a specific standard"" or ""a particular requirement"" exist, "a certain criterion" implies that while the criterion may not be explicitly stated, it is understood within the relevant context. Remember to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific standard

Replaces "criterion" with "standard", emphasizing a defined level of quality or achievement.

a particular requirement

Substitutes "criterion" with "requirement", focusing on a necessary condition.

a defined benchmark

Uses "benchmark" instead of "criterion", highlighting a point of reference for evaluation.

a set qualification

Replaces "criterion" with "qualification", stressing a skill or attribute needed to meet a standard.

a clear condition

Uses "condition" instead of "criterion", focusing on a stipulation that must be met.

a precise measure

Substitutes "criterion" with "measure", emphasizing a quantifiable way to assess something.

a fixed parameter

Replaces "criterion" with "parameter", highlighting a constant factor used for comparison.

a given guideline

Uses "guideline" instead of "criterion", focusing on a principle or piece of advice.

a stipulated term

Substitutes "criterion" with "term", emphasizing a condition that is part of an agreement.

a selected basis

Replaces "criterion" with "basis", stressing the underlying reason or justification.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain criterion" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain criterion" to refer to a specific standard or rule. For example, "Applicants must meet "a certain criterion" to be eligible for the scholarship."

What are some alternatives to "a certain criterion"?

Alternatives include "a specific standard", "a particular requirement", or "a defined benchmark" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "criterion" or "criteria"?

"Criterion" is singular, referring to a single standard. "Criteria" is plural, referring to multiple standards. Use the appropriate form based on whether you're discussing one or more criteria.

What's the difference between "a certain criterion" and "a specific criterion"?

While similar, "a specific criterion" emphasizes the explicitness and definiteness of the standard, whereas ""a certain criterion"" implies the criterion is known or understood within a specific context, even if not explicitly stated.