the main criterion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the main criterion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the primary standard or principle by which something is judged or decided. Example: "The main criterion for selecting candidates is their relevant experience in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

However, turnover growth is the main criterion for investors.

The Guardian - Money

Sadly, nationality, not merit, will again be the main criterion.

The Economist

In those days, the main criterion was whether the patient could pay.

The Guardian

The main criterion for the prize, he said, was: "Does this book knock my socks off?

The Guardian - Books

26], takes government to task for relying on attendance as the main criterion of institutional excellence.

The New York Times - Arts

Along with restless leg syndrome and flatline come more questionable entries, where use becomes the main criterion for inclusion.

The New York Times - Arts

After 9/11, Giorgio Agamben wrote that security was fast becoming the main criterion of political legitimacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The case for leverage as the main criterion favors asset managers like BlackRock.

The New York Times

Instead, the main criterion is how likely the suspect is to return to court.

The New York Times

But plausibility is not the main criterion in the competition to devise ever-tougher asylum policies.

The Economist

And when the main criterion for relevance is general interest, the individual is left exposed to the two extremes of popularity — spectacular events and viral trivia.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main criterion", ensure that it is followed by a clear explanation of what that criterion entails and how it is applied in the specific context. For example: "The main criterion for selection is experience; candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience."

Common error

Avoid using "the main criterion" without specifying what the criterion actually is. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion. Always clarify the specific standard or principle being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main criterion" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important standard or principle used for making a judgment or decision. It is used to highlight the key factor being considered, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedia

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main criterion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that pinpoints the most important standard for evaluation or decision-making. According to Ludwig, the phrase is common across various domains including science, news, and business. When using "the main criterion", it's important to clearly specify what that criterion is to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "the primary consideration" and "the key requirement". Overall, "the main criterion" serves as a useful way to emphasize the most significant factor in a given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the primary consideration

Changes the noun from 'criterion' to 'consideration', emphasizing the act of thinking about something.

the key requirement

Replaces 'criterion' with 'requirement', highlighting the essential condition that must be met.

the principal factor

Substitutes 'criterion' with 'factor', focusing on one of the elements contributing to a result.

the most important aspect

Shifts the focus to 'aspect', emphasizing a particular feature or part of something.

the determining factor

Highlights the role of the factor that ultimately decides an outcome.

the central element

Emphasizes the core or essential part of something.

the fundamental basis

Changes the perspective to a foundational element or principle.

the overriding concern

Highlights the most dominant or important concern.

the essential metric

Replaces 'criterion' with 'metric', emphasizing a quantifiable measurement.

the crucial yardstick

Uses 'yardstick' as a metaphor for a standard of comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "the main criterion" in a sentence?

Use "the main criterion" to introduce the most important factor when evaluating or making a decision. For example, "The main criterion for funding is the project's potential impact."

What are some alternatives to using "the main criterion"?

You can use alternatives such as "the primary consideration", "the key requirement", or "the principal factor" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "the main criterion" or "the main criteria"?

"The main criterion" is singular and refers to a single standard. "The main criteria" is plural and should be used when referring to multiple standards. Choose the form that matches the number of standards you are discussing.

What's the difference between "the main criterion" and "a criterion"?

"The main criterion" refers to the most important or primary standard. "A criterion" simply refers to one standard among potentially many. Using "the main" emphasizes its significance over other possible criteria.