are the criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are the criterion" is not correct in standard English usage.
The correct form would be "is the criterion" since "criterion" is singular. Example: "The main question is, what are the criterion for success in this project?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the criterion standard method for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments.

Physical Therapy in Sport

Randomized controlled trials are the criterion standard method for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Radiolabelled methods such as Cr to estimate RCV are the criterion, but it is not practical to make multiple measurements on healthy athletes before, during and after altitude exposure due to radiation concerns.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

14 % of the sample scored 25 or above on the IES-R.> -wrap-foot> IES-R scores are the criterion, subgroup membership is the predictor aone-way analysis of variance bchi-square test Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding Subgroup variations in the total score of the IES-R are in part related to the predictors of stress reactions after a patient suicide and to the profession [ 6, 9, 10].

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What are the criteria?

The New Yorker

Ability and American citizenship are the criteria.

The New York Times

Equally absorbing are the criteria for attractiveness.

The Guardian - Books

What are the criteria for public art?

The New York Times

What are the criteria required for admission?

The New York Times

What are the criteria for being accepted as a user of the euro?

The New York Times

Fifth place isn't completely embarrassing, but what are the criteria?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure subject-verb agreement. Since "criterion" is singular, use "is the criterion". If referring to multiple criteria, use "are the criteria".

Common error

Avoid using "are" with the singular noun "criterion". The correct usage is "is the criterion". For plural, use "criteria" with "are".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are the criterion" functions as a predicate nominative, attempting to identify or define a subject. However, due to subject-verb disagreement, it fails to perform this function correctly. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating the correct form, such as "Randomized controlled trials are the criterion standard method."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are the criterion" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "is the criterion" because "criterion" is a singular noun. While the phrase appears in various contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig, it should be avoided in formal writing. Using "are the criteria" is appropriate when referring to multiple standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, subject-verb agreement is essential. Remember to use the correct singular or plural form to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the criterion

Switches from plural 'are' to singular 'is' to match the singular noun 'criterion'.

are the standards

Replaces 'criterion' with its plural form 'standards', making the phrase grammatically correct.

constitute the criteria

Uses 'constitute' to emphasize that multiple factors together form the basis for judgment.

represent the benchmark

Employs 'benchmark' to highlight the role as a point of reference for comparison.

define the requirements

Focuses on 'requirements' to underline that the phrase sets mandatory conditions.

establish the guidelines

Emphasizes 'guidelines' to indicate the provision of general principles for decision-making.

serve as the yardstick

Uses 'yardstick' to evoke a sense of precise measurement and evaluation.

are the principles

Replace criterion for general principles

embody the qualifications

Utilizes 'qualifications' to signify that the phrase encapsulates necessary attributes or skills.

are the measures

Replace criterion for measures

FAQs

How to correctly use "are the criterion" in a sentence?

The phrase "are the criterion" is grammatically incorrect. "Criterion" is a singular noun, so the correct phrase is "is the criterion". However, "criteria" is the plural form, so you would use "are the criteria".

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

"Is the criterion" refers to a single standard or benchmark. "Are the criteria" refers to multiple standards or benchmarks. For example, "The main criterion for success is hard work", versus "The criteria for judging the competition are creativity, originality, and technical skill".

What can I say instead of "are the criterion"?

Since "are the criterion" is incorrect, you should use "is the criterion". You can also use alternatives like "is the standard" or "is the benchmark". If you are referring to multiple criteria, you can use "are the standards" or "are the benchmarks".

When should I use "criterion" versus "criteria"?

Use "criterion" when referring to a single factor or standard. Use "criteria" when referring to multiple factors or standards. Keep in mind that a possible substitute for them could be "requirements" or "measures".