a key criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

'a key criterion' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an important fundamental requirement for success, or a set of factors for which a judgement or decision will be based. For example: "Meeting deadlines is a key criterion for this job; applicants must demonstrate their ability to do this in order to be considered for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Guardian - Sport

Thus it meets a key criterion set forth by Mr. Obama, who has said he will not sign any legislation that "adds one dime" to the deficit.

The New York Times

Following telephone interviews with 50 MBA and MSc students, the research concluded that a key criterion being used to select potential employers was the organisation's values.

The Guardian

"Most certainly within the last 12 months we've upped our game," she says, "and in devising our programmes now, peer-to-peer is a key criterion.

The Guardian

APM2 was deemed to fulfil a key criterion as none of its directors, who appear to be nominees for its real directors, lives in Ireland.

The Economist

To my mind a key criterion, bearing in mind John Harrison's tribulations, is to make sure we know what winning looks like in each case, so that it is obvious when a satisfactory solution has been found.

The Guardian

Employability Alison Saunders, IT recruitment manager (Europe), Shell International Mohamed's first-class BSc grabs attention immediately as academic standing in a relevant degree is a key criterion used to differentiate graduates.

The Guardian - Money

" A key criterion for the granting of the licences was that all non-lethal control methods, such as creating places for pheasants to hide and diverting buzzards away by leaving food out, had been unsuccessfully tried.

The Guardian

Layard, a life peer and a leading economist at the London School of Economics, has led the call for happiness to be considered a key criterion of national success.

The Guardian

The leadership in Beijing has in response enacted tough new environmental restrictions, made environmental protection a key criterion for promotion of local officials and, yes, used the symbolism of the Olympics to galvanise change.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key criterion", ensure that you clearly define what makes that criterion essential to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify how it contributes to the overall goal or decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a key criterion" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "essential factor" or "primary consideration" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key criterion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an essential standard or benchmark. Ludwig's examples show it's used to pinpoint what is most important in a decision-making process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key criterion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for highlighting an essential standard or factor. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define the criterion's importance to avoid ambiguity, and avoid overuse by using synonyms like "essential factor" or "primary consideration". Remember that "criterion" is singular; the plural form is "criteria".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An essential factor

Highlights the role of the element as a contributing component.

A deciding factor

Emphasizes the element's role in determining an outcome.

A core requirement

Replaces "criterion" with "requirement", focusing on necessity.

A crucial element

Stresses the importance and decisiveness of the aspect.

A primary consideration

Focuses on the element being a main point of focus or thought.

A vital component

Underscores the necessity and indispensability of the element.

A fundamental aspect

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the element.

An important feature

Focuses on a notable characteristic or part.

A significant attribute

Highlights the notable quality or characteristic.

A central tenet

Highlights that the element is a core principle or belief.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a key criterion" is used to highlight an important factor or standard. For instance: "Meeting deadlines is "a key criterion" for this project.".

What are some alternatives to "a key criterion"?

You can use alternatives like "an essential factor", "a primary consideration", or "a crucial element" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a key criterion" or "a key criteria"?

"Criterion" is singular, while "criteria" is plural. Use "a key criterion" when referring to a single standard. If referring to multiple standards, use "key criteria".

What makes "a key criterion" different from "a simple requirement"?

"A key criterion" emphasizes the importance and significance of a specific requirement. It suggests that the criterion is not just any requirement, but a critical one, whereas "a simple requirement" is a less emphatic and more general term.