a single criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single criterion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one specific standard or principle used for judgment or evaluation. Example: "In this study, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the program based on a single criterion: participant satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The problem with having just a single criterion is that it's all or nothing".

The Guardian - Business

Belyaev's hypothesis was that all domesticated species had been selected for a single criterion: tameness.

The New York Times - Health

Shows like "Ways of the Rivers" can make more conventional presentations feel static and tepid, restricted to a single criterion for what art should be, i.e., beautiful.

The New York Times - Arts

(A Chinese banker explained to me that he uses Jiayuan to filter for a single criterion — height — which provides him with a bevy of fashion models).

The New Yorker

For moviegoers who have found themselves, as a result, constitutionally averse to watching a faithful canine expire on camera, there's a list available for consultation at doesthedogdie.com, a Web site that catalogues thousands of movies by a single criterion.

The New Yorker

Dr Wendler's program achieved an almost identical result 78.5%.Since that result is based on a single criterion, the 1% rule, Dr Wendler reckons he can beat it by adding other factors to the program.

The Economist

Before Ms. Arroyo and Mr. Santana, the actress Chita Rivera and the opera star Plácido Domingo were the only Latinos among 185 artists who had received the award since it was created in 1978 with a single criterion: excellence.

The New York Times - Arts

Thus, a single criterion may be critical for one study, but not for another.

Environmental Sciences Europe

The overall performance of a particular platform cannot be based on a single criterion [18].

Journal of Big Data

Most of research in production scheduling is concerned with the optimization of a single criterion.

European Journal of Operational Research

The optimization problem is formulated as a single criterion mixed-integer nonlinear discrete combinatorial task.

Renewable Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single criterion" to streamline decision-making processes where simplicity and efficiency are paramount, but ensure that this criterion sufficiently captures the essential aspects of the evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "a single criterion" when the situation demands a more nuanced analysis. Over-reliance on one factor can lead to skewed or incomplete conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single criterion" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, specifying the basis for a decision, evaluation, or selection. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single criterion" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing an evaluation based on one specific standard. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. While efficient, relying on "a single criterion" should be approached with caution to prevent oversimplification. Alternatives such as "one standard" or "a sole measure" can be used for variety. Overall, understanding the contexts and potential limitations of "a single criterion" ensures its appropriate and effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one standard

This alternative emphasizes the idea of a solitary benchmark or measure.

a sole measure

This highlights the uniqueness of the measurement being considered.

a unique standard

This stresses the individual and distinctive aspect of the rule.

one determining factor

This option underlines the decisive role of a single element.

an exclusive basis

This suggests a limited and solitary foundation for judgment.

a solitary metric

This focuses on a single measurement as the only point of reference.

a single yardstick

This uses a metaphor to describe a single method of comparison.

one guiding principle

This emphasizes the role of a single rule influencing decisions.

a primary consideration

This indicates that only one aspect is being primarily weighed.

a key indicator

This highlights a sole factor that points to a particular result.

FAQs

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

You can use "a single criterion" to describe situations where judgments or decisions are based on one specific standard. For example: "The selection process was based on "a single criterion": prior experience."

What phrases are similar to "a single criterion"?

Similar phrases include "one standard", "a sole measure", or "a unique standard". These alternatives also emphasize the idea of evaluating something based on only one factor.

Is it always best to use "a single criterion" for evaluation?

No, it is not always best. While using "a single criterion" can simplify decision-making, it may overlook other important factors. Complex evaluations often require multiple criteria to provide a more comprehensive assessment.

What's the difference between "a single criterion" and "multiple criteria"?

"A single criterion" refers to using one specific standard for evaluation, while "multiple criteria" involves using several different standards. The choice depends on the complexity and scope of the evaluation.