a criterion to which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a criterion to which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific standard or principle that something is measured against or evaluated by. Example: "The study established a criterion to which all participants were held accountable in their performance evaluations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Associationists need a criterion to which of the coextensive properties will in fact be learned, and which not.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A criterion to decide which of the two spikes will go in the completing sequence and which in the following could solve this problem.

Plosone

Explicit review involves evaluation of cases against a predefined list of quality criteria to which the investigators refer, so they may literally 'tick the box' if they find the criteria to be present.

Emergency Medicine Journal

We discuss a geometric feature of zeolite frameworks, the flexibility window, which may provide a criterion to identify hypothetical structures which can be synthesised as zeolites.

Applied Petrochemical Research

The ranking used alumni giving as a criteria to determine which private colleges offer the best returns.

Wikipedia

In the group selection, we design a criterion to select feature groups which is important to label set.

Knowledge-Based Systems

Therefore, we used the p62 change after bortezomib treatment as a criterion to review the reports in which bortezomib was claimed to stimulate autophagy.

Cell Death and Disease

The idea was to pick a criterion to present my main contribution, which is in model space generation rather than model selection.

Biology Direct

The second step in our methodology is to establish an appropriate criterion to determine which users are considered outliers, and which users are considered as part of the mass.

Nature

Consequently, an efficient criterion to discriminate which information corresponds to fixed zones and which information corresponds to dynamic zones is complicated to define, due to a wide variety of involved situations.

Measurement

In an effort to show fairness and reduce contention, Mr. Levy depended on a simple criterion to decide which new school construction projects would remain on the budget plan: the level of crowding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a criterion to which", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly specifies what is being evaluated or measured against that criterion. For example: 'The study established a "criterion to which" all participants were held accountable in their performance evaluations.'

Common error

The word "criterion" is singular; the plural form is "criteria". Avoid using "criterion" when referring to multiple standards. Instead of 'One "criterion to which" we adhere', use 'One of the "criteria to which" we adhere'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a criterion to which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a standard or benchmark. Based on the available examples, its primary grammatical function is to modify a noun or clause, specifying the basis for evaluation or judgement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a criterion to which" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in contemporary English. It functions as a prepositional phrase, primarily found in formal and scientific contexts, where it serves to introduce a specific standard or benchmark. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, yet suggests that alternatives like "a standard by which" or "a benchmark against which" might offer greater clarity and conciseness. While grammatically sound, "a criterion to which" benefits from careful usage, ensuring the subsequent clause clearly defines what is being evaluated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standard by which

Replaces the preposition "to which" with "by which", offering a more common and direct alternative.

a benchmark against which

Substitutes "criterion" with "benchmark" and "to which" with "against which", emphasizing a point of reference for comparison.

a measure for

Uses "measure" instead of "criterion" and simplifies the prepositional phrase to "for", making it more concise.

a yardstick for

Replaces "criterion" with "yardstick", implying a standard of measurement, and uses the preposition "for".

a basis upon which

Replaces "criterion" with "basis" and uses "upon which" to convey the foundation for something.

a touchstone for

Replaces "criterion" with "touchstone", indicating a test of quality or genuineness, and uses the preposition "for".

a rubric for

Substitutes "criterion" with "rubric", implying a set of rules or guidelines, and uses the preposition "for".

a guideline for

Replaces "criterion" with "guideline", suggesting a principle for guidance, and uses the preposition "for".

a principle guiding

Replaces "criterion" with "principle" and rephrases "to which" as "guiding", focusing on direction and influence.

a framework for

Replaces "criterion" with "framework", highlighting a structured set of principles, and uses the preposition "for".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a criterion to which" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives such as "a standard by which", "a benchmark against which", or "a measure for" depending on the context.

Is "a criterion to which" formal or informal language?

The phrase "a criterion to which" is generally considered formal. In more informal settings, simpler alternatives like "a standard for" or "a measure for" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a criterion to which" and "a criterion by which"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning, "a criterion by which" is more common and direct in modern English usage. "A criterion to which" sounds slightly more formal and less frequently used.

How do I use "a criterion to which" in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is being evaluated or measured against the specified criterion. For example: "The rigorous testing process established "a criterion to which" all products must adhere before being released to the market".