initial criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initial criterion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the first standard or principle used to evaluate or assess something. Example: "The initial criterion for selecting candidates is their relevant work experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Your high school transcript is the initial criterion used to evaluate your application, but the college essay is a chance to introduce yourself to the admission committee.

The New York Times

We have reduced the array of DA designations made by the Regions to four categories derived from the main legal basis, in order to obtain an initial criterion to proceed with our analysis.

Agricultural and Food Economics

We propose that the criterion value is adjusted (made more conservative) whenever two or more match values fall above an initial criterion value, irrespective of whether the lineup was target-present or target-absent.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

This group was composed of adult Japanese learners of English, including 13 undergraduate and 10 graduate students, 6 English teachers, and 1 professional who used English for business, with a wide range of proficiency from beginning to advanced levels; their initial Criterion® holistic scores ranged from 1 to 6 (the whole score range).

Language Testing in Asia

An initial criterion alpha level of 0.05 was used.

Plosone

As the initial criterion for gene-day detection the PC2>threshold was used.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Now, Ms. Cambareri is glad she didn't stick to her initial criteria.

The New York Times

But I wanted the initial criteria to be accessible, I didn't want to put my finger on the scale, and I wanted to cast a broad net".

The New Yorker

"We do know that there are roughly 400 cases we're going to examine that meet our initial criteria for a second look".

The New York Times

She said the three recent cases in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx "are fitting some of our initial criteria" for the phenomenon.

The New York Times

The council left itself space to evaluate firms even if they do not meet the initial criteria for consideration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "initial criterion", ensure that you clearly define what that criterion is, especially in technical or academic writing. This avoids ambiguity and provides a solid foundation for further analysis or discussion.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "initial criterion" as the only factor for decision-making. Make it clear that while it's the first consideration, other criteria may also influence the final outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial criterion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the first standard or requirement used to assess something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in setting a baseline for evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial criterion" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that denotes the first standard or requirement in an evaluation process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it is predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts. To ensure clarity in your writing, clearly define the "initial criterion" and indicate any subsequent criteria. While alternatives like "preliminary standard" and "first requirement" exist, "initial criterion" effectively communicates the concept of a preliminary benchmark, making it a valuable addition to professional and technical communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Initial requirement

Focuses on the necessary condition or qualification that must be met first.

Preliminary standard

Replaces "criterion" with "standard", emphasizing the established rule or measure.

Qualifying factor

Indicates a specific attribute or characteristic that makes someone or something eligible.

Primary consideration

Emphasizes the most important factor to be taken into account initially.

Entry-level condition

Specifies the requirement that must be fulfilled to enter a process or system.

Starting point

Uses a more general term to indicate the beginning of an assessment process.

Opening specification

Highlights the initial requirements or conditions for a particular task or project.

Basic principle

Focuses on the fundamental rule or belief on which something is based.

First step

Highlights the action taken at the beginning of a process.

Foundational element

Stresses that something is a basic part that something depends on to exist or succeed

FAQs

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

You can use "initial criterion" to describe the first requirement or standard used for evaluation. For example, "The "initial criterion" for candidate selection was relevant experience".

What is another way to say "initial criterion"?

Alternatives to "initial criterion" include "preliminary standard", "first requirement", or "primary consideration", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "criteria" instead of "criterion" in "initial criterion"?

No, "criterion" is singular. Since you're referring to a single, initial standard, "initial criterion" is correct. "Criteria" is the plural form.

What's the difference between "initial criterion" and "final criterion"?

The "initial criterion" is the first standard applied, while the "final criterion" is the ultimate standard that must be met. Meeting the "initial criterion" doesn't guarantee success if the "final criterion" is not also met.