criteria is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criteria is" is not correct in standard written English.
"Criteria" is a plural noun, and it should be used with a plural verb. Example: "The criteria are clearly outlined in the document."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Criteria" is plural.

The New York Times

So my criteria: is it meaty?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This criteria is clearly set forth in Florida case law.

The New York Times

My criteria is that I care about the children.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

a criteria: "Such a criteria is unscientific and misleading".

The Guardian - Opinion

Development of the criteria is an ongoing process.

The Guardian

Instead, he said, his key criteria is simple: "It has always been pleasure".

The Guardian - Books

Answer The word "criteria" is plural, so make it "are still unclear".

The New York Times

The fact that different universities have different admissions criteria is a cause for celebration, not concern.

The Guardian

Determining eligibility criteria is difficult because, as Hefce's report shows, the postgraduate population is extremely complex.

The Guardian

Clearly defined objectives and measuring those criteria is usually standard practice.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "criteria are" instead of "criteria is" to ensure grammatical correctness. Remember that "criteria" is the plural form of "criterion".

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with the plural noun "criteria". Using "criteria is" is a common mistake; always use the plural form, "criteria are".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criteria is" functions as a subject and verb within a sentence. However, it's grammatically incorrect because "criteria" is a plural noun and requires a plural verb form ("are"). Ludwig AI highlights this error.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "criteria is" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. "Criteria" is the plural form of "criterion" and therefore requires the plural verb "are". As Ludwig AI points out, the correct usage is "the criteria are". While the phrase may appear in various sources, it's essential to avoid it in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "the "criteria are"" or "the "criterion is"", depending on whether you are referring to multiple criteria or just one. Always prioritize grammatical accuracy to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the criteria are

Corrects the verb conjugation to match the plural noun "criteria".

the criterion is

Switches from the plural noun "criteria" to the singular noun "criterion", making the sentence grammatically correct.

the main requirement is

Substitutes "criteria" with "requirement" to highlight a necessary condition.

the standard is

Uses the word "standard" instead of "criteria" to define the level of quality or attainment.

a key consideration is

Replaces "criteria" with "consideration" to express a factor to be taken into account.

an important factor is

Uses "factor" instead of "criteria" to indicate a significant element influencing a decision.

the benchmark is

Replaces "criteria" with "benchmark" to indicate a point of reference for measurement or comparison.

the guiding principle is

Employs "principle" as a replacement for "criteria", emphasizing a fundamental rule or guideline.

the primary basis is

Changes "criteria" to "basis" to indicate the foundation or reason for something.

the defining characteristic is

Replaces "criteria" with "characteristic" to focus on a distinctive attribute.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "criteria" in a sentence?

Since "criteria" is a plural noun, it requires a plural verb. The correct usage is "criteria are", as in "The criteria "are" clearly defined".

Is it ever correct to say "criteria is"?

No, "criteria is" is grammatically incorrect. "Criteria" is the plural form of "criterion", so it always requires a plural verb. Use "the "criteria are"" instead.

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

"Criterion" is singular, so you would use "criterion is". "Criteria" is plural, so you would use "criteria are". For example, "The "criterion is" met" versus "The "criteria are" met".

What can I use instead of the phrase "criteria is"?

Instead of "criteria is", you should use "the "criteria are"". If you only have one criterion, then use "the "criterion is"".