certain criteria

USAGE SUMMARY

'certain criteria' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to certain conditions or standards that must be met in order to achieve something. For example: Applicants must meet certain criteria in order to be accepted into the program.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You must meet certain criteria.

The New York Times

Those that do meet certain criteria.

The New York Times

"There were certain criteria they should meet.

The New York Times

Yes, if you meet certain criteria.

The Guardian - Money

Yes, I have certain criteria for plate purchases.

The New York Times - Travel

Wines classically must meet certain criteria to be called great.

The New York Times - Food

But the city can deny applications that do not meet certain criteria related to professional development.

The New York Times

Valuation is less a science than a form of mysticism, though there are certain criteria.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Card companies will offer loan modifications only to people who meet certain criteria.

The New York Times

And it's only when certain criteria are met that we officially label economic difficulty a recession.

The Guardian

"You have to pass certain criteria to be given a food voucher.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain criteria", ensure the criteria are clearly defined elsewhere in your writing or are easily understood by your audience. Avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "certain criteria" without specifying what those criteria are. Readers should not be left guessing about the specific requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain criteria" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates that specific, though perhaps unspecified, conditions or standards must be met. Ludwig AI shows examples where it is frequently used to denote eligibility requirements or necessary conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain criteria" is a commonly used phrase indicating specific conditions or standards that must be met. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse contexts such as news, science, and business. While the phrase is versatile, clarity is paramount: ensure the criteria are either explicitly defined or easily understood by your audience. Alternatives like ""specific requirements"" or ""defined standards"" may offer greater precision depending on the situation. Remember to avoid vague references for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specific requirements

Emphasizes particular needs that must be fulfilled.

Defined standards

Highlights established benchmarks for evaluation.

Particular conditions

Focuses on specific terms or stipulations that apply.

Predetermined qualifications

Stresses established prerequisites for eligibility.

Established norms

Refers to accepted practices or conventions.

Mandatory stipulations

Emphasizes compulsory provisions.

Requisite benchmarks

Highlights essential measures or targets.

Prescribed guidelines

Focuses on rules that are officially set.

Exact specifications

Highlights precise details that are required.

Necessary prerequisites

Stresses essential conditions that must be satisfied beforehand.

FAQs

How can I use "certain criteria" in a sentence?

You can use "certain criteria" to indicate that specific requirements or standards must be met. For example, "Applicants must meet "certain criteria" to be eligible for the scholarship".

What are some alternatives to "certain criteria"?

Alternatives include "specific requirements", "defined standards", or "particular conditions", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to specify the criteria instead of just saying "certain criteria"?

In most cases, specifying the criteria is better for clarity. However, "certain criteria" can be useful when the details are not yet defined or when referring to criteria already known to the audience.

What's the difference between "certain criteria" and "specific criteria"?

"Certain criteria" implies that there are requirements, while "specific criteria" emphasizes that the requirements are clearly defined and detailed. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the existence or the specificity of the requirements.