a key criteria

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key criteria" is not correct in standard written English.
The word "criteria" is the plural form of "criterion," so it should be used with a plural article or modifier. Example: "One key criterion for success in this project is effective communication among team members."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The original referred incorrectly to "A key criteria".

The Guardian

The web regulator set a high bar for defining a community – a key criteria for the.eco bid.

The Guardian

At the same time, developing country governments have demonstrated their own financial commitment to agriculture, a key criteria for GAFSP recipients.

The Guardian - Opinion

In its report on Romania, the commission said the country could not yet be declared a "functioning market economy," a key criteria for entry into the Union.

The New York Times

Jones said that "independence of action is a key criteria for me" and would allow S4C to champion Welsh-language viewers' interests.

The Guardian

But, as Hameedi says, Le Man is a fuel economy race now, so efficiency is a key criteria.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

With coaches voting for the reserves, the bottom line of winning becomes a key criterion.

The New York Times - Sports

Flexibility in family budgeting is a key criterion for success that most growers embrace.

Cornell University

And if scarcity is a key criterion, then Sir Bradley Wiggins's achievements of last summer must also rank highly.

The Guardian - Sport

Since affordability is a key criterion, two important missions are proposed in the roadmap.

Acta Astronautica

The availability of granular sources near the work site was a key criterion.

Ecological Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "a key criterion" (singular) instead of "a key criteria" (incorrect plural). Remember that "criteria" is already plural; the singular form is "criterion".

Common error

Avoid using "a key criteria" due to grammatical errors. The word "criteria" is the plural of "criterion". Using the indefinite article "a" before a plural noun is incorrect. Instead, opt for "a key criterion" or "key criteria".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key criteria" functions as a noun phrase intended to identify an important factor or standard. However, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct form is "a key criterion".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a key criteria" appears frequently, it is grammatically incorrect. "Criteria" is the plural form of "criterion", thus requiring the singular form be used with the article 'a'. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the correct phrase is "a key criterion". Use "a key criterion" when referring to a single, important factor. Alternative phrases such as "an important consideration" or "a significant factor" can be used to express similar meanings. Remember to always check your grammar to ensure accuracy, especially in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key criterion

Corrects the grammatical error by using the singular form 'criterion'.

an important consideration

Replaces 'criteria' with a more general term for something to be taken into account.

a significant factor

Highlights the importance of the factor.

a crucial element

Emphasizes that the element is essential.

a vital component

Stresses the necessity of the component.

a primary requirement

Indicates that the requirement is fundamental.

a major determinant

Focuses on something that strongly influences an outcome.

a central aspect

Highlights that the aspect is essential.

a fundamental principle

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the principle.

an essential standard

Indicates a required level of quality or achievement.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use "criterion" and "criteria"?

"Criterion" is singular, while "criteria" is plural. Use "a key criterion" for a single important factor, and "key criteria" for multiple important factors.

What can I say instead of "a key criteria"?

You can correct the phrase to "a key criterion", or use alternatives such as "an important consideration", or "a significant factor".

Is "a key criteria" grammatically correct?

No, "a key criteria" is grammatically incorrect. "Criteria" is the plural form of "criterion", so it cannot be used with the singular article "a". The correct phrase is "a key criterion".

How does the choice between "criterion" and "criteria" affect the meaning?

Using "criterion" implies you are talking about a single, specific factor. Using "criteria" means you are referencing multiple factors. Therefore, choose the word that accurately reflects the number of factors you are discussing.