a criterion for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a criterion for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a standard or requirement for measuring something. For example, "The restaurant has established a criterion for top-notch customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It did not use foundations as a criterion for inclusion.

The New York Times

Living in a camp is not a criterion for being a refugee.

The New York Times

The team concluded that "H.I.V. status should not by itself be a criterion for surgical consideration".

The New York Times

A counsellor's personality, sunny and patient, seems to be a criterion for employment.

The New Yorker

And, if philanthropy becomes a criterion for the renaming of theatres, we may be going down a very rocky path.

The Guardian

If that becomes a criterion for arrest in the U.S., a lot of us reporters are headed for jail.

The New York Times

The International Commission on Radiological Protection does not use background radiation as a criterion for acceptable radiological practices.

The New York Times

"It is strongly recommended that student test results not be used as a criterion for evaluating teacher performance".

The New York Times

Suppose patients started using presence on the register as a criterion for choosing some professionals over others?

The Guardian

Euclid even used this nontermination property as a criterion for irrationality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Being happy was not a criterion for anything.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a criterion for", ensure that the noun following "for" clearly defines what is being evaluated or judged. For example, "Reliability is a key criterion for selecting a vendor" is more effective than "A criterion for the project".

Common error

Be careful to distinguish between "criterion" (singular) and "criteria" (plural). "Criterion" should be used when referring to a single standard or measure. For multiple standards, use "criteria".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a criterion for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a specific standard, rule, or test used to evaluate or judge something. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from surgical considerations to evaluating teacher performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a criterion for" is a frequently used and grammatically sound expression that serves to introduce a specific standard or requirement for evaluation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various domains. The phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific and news media contexts, indicating its utility in both objective research and journalistic reporting. Related phrases include "a standard for" and "a basis for", which offer similar but nuanced meanings. When using "a criterion for", clarity is essential to ensure the standard being referenced is well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a benchmark for

Similar to a standard, but often implies a point of reference for comparison.

a standard for

Emphasizes the benchmark or level of quality that must be met.

a requirement for

Stresses the necessity of meeting a certain condition.

a basis for

Focuses on the foundation or reason behind something, rather than a specific standard.

a yardstick for

Implies a means of measurement or comparison.

a measure of

Highlights the quantifiable aspect of assessing something.

a touchstone for

Refers to a test or criterion for determining the quality or genuineness of something.

a guideline for

Suggests a recommended, but not necessarily mandatory, course of action.

a gauge for

Indicates a means of assessing or measuring something, often in a less precise way.

a principle for

Highlights a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

FAQs

How do I use "a criterion for" in a sentence?

Use "a criterion for" to introduce a specific standard or requirement used to evaluate something. For example, "Accuracy is "a criterion for" success in this role".

What's the difference between "criterion" and "criteria"?

"Criterion" is singular, referring to a single standard, while "criteria" is the plural form, referring to multiple standards. Use "a criterion for" when discussing a single measure and "criteria for" when discussing multiple measures.

What can I say instead of "a criterion for"?

You can use alternatives like "a standard for", "a measure of", or "a basis for" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the criterion is" or "the criteria is"?

It is correct to say "the criterion is" because "criterion" is singular. For the plural form, use "the criteria are". It's a common mistake to use "criteria" as a singular noun.