criterion on which

USAGE SUMMARY

"criterion on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the specific criteria used to judge or measure something. For example, "I based my evaluation on the criterion on which the winner was chosen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Additionally SWISS scores may not represent the only criterion on which one method is preferred.

Plosone

Ultimately, this is the criterion on which he deserved to be judged.

The New Yorker

Readiness for that mission, not abstract tests of ideological purity, should be the criterion on which the leader is chosen.

The Guardian - Opinion

And none of the four airlines score particularly well when it comes to punctuality, arguably the most important criterion on which airlines are judged.

The Economist

Ask him about any given politician, and the second criterion on which he judges that politician is whether the man or woman has submitted to an interview with Bill O'Reilly.

The New York Times - Magazine

That doesn't mean that all men outperform all women, but it means that for élite-sport discussion, that Y chromosome, and specifically the SRY gene on it, which directs the formation of testes and the production of testosterone, is a key criterion on which to separate people into categories...

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

There are many criteria on which one can make the selection.

WikiHow

But it is also important to GNER because punctuality is one of the criteria on which the company's performance is judged.

The Guardian - Tech

I spoke to a presenting officer who confirmed that this was for meeting targets both inside and outside court and that success rates are only one of the criteria on which they are assessed – these include case preparation.

The Guardian - Opinion

International agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank increasingly made good governance one of the criteria on which they based aid and loans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Climatic zone was one of the criteria on which the DSS was established.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "criterion on which", ensure that the criterion is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that the basis for judgment is transparent and logical.

Common error

Avoid using overly general or subjective criteria. Ensure the "criterion on which" you are basing your judgment is specific and measurable, allowing for consistent and objective evaluations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criterion on which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the basis or standard for judgment or selection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and commonly used in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "criterion on which" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies the basis for judgment or selection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in formal writing. Its primary function is to provide clarity and justification for a decision-making process. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase implies a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the criterion is clearly defined and relevant to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis upon which

Emphasizes the foundation or groundwork used for making a judgement.

grounds on which

Highlights the reasons or justifications supporting a decision.

standard by which

Focuses on a defined benchmark or measure for assessment.

principle under which

Suggests a guiding rule or fundamental belief influencing a choice.

measure by which

Highlights a specific metric or scale used for evaluation.

framework within which

Implies a structured set of guidelines or boundaries for decision-making.

benchmark against which

Focuses on a reference point used for comparing and evaluating.

yardstick by which

Presents an informal, yet clear, standard for measuring or judging.

touchstone for

Suggests an established test or criterion for determining quality or genuineness.

the rationale behind

Focuses specifically on the reasoning or justification supporting a particular decision or action.

FAQs

How can I use "criterion on which" in a sentence?

Use "criterion on which" to specify the standard or basis for a decision or judgment. For example, "Readiness for that mission, not abstract tests of ideological purity, should be the "criterion on which" the leader is chosen."

What are some alternatives to "criterion on which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "basis upon which", "grounds on which", or "standard by which", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "criteria on which" grammatically correct, or should it be "criterion on which"?

"Criterion" is the singular form, while "criteria" is plural. Use "criterion on which" when referring to a single standard, and "criteria on which" when referring to multiple standards.

In what contexts is "criterion on which" most appropriately used?

"Criterion on which" is suitable for formal writing and discussions where precise and objective evaluation is necessary, such as academic papers, professional reports, and legal documents.