Plural of Criterion
“Criterion” and “criteria” form a singular-plural pair: one criterion, several criteria. Because “criteria” is sometimes used as a singular in speech, edited standard English benefits from keeping the number distinction explicit.
The standard plural of “criterion” is “criteria.” Singular “criteria” is common in speech but is labeled nonstandard in the reviewed Cambridge American treatment.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one standard | criterion | Standard singular. |
| two or more standards | criteria | Standard plural. |
| singular “criteria” | nonstandard in reviewed Cambridge American treatment | Avoid in edited standard prose. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you referring to more than one standard or condition?
If yes: Use “criteria.”
If no: Use singular “criterion.”
Caveat: Singular “criteria” is documented as common especially in speech, but the reviewed authority labels it nonstandard.
Examples
Cost is one criterion for selection.
One takes singular “criterion.”
Cost and reliability are two criteria.
More than one takes plural “criteria.”
The criteria are listed below.
Plural “criteria” takes plural agreement.
Further guidance
Core difference
Write “criterion” for one standard and “criteria” for two or more standards.
Fast Test
If you could replace the noun with “one standard,” use “criterion”; if with “several standards,” use “criteria.”
Usage Boundary
Do not use singular “criteria” in formal edited English merely because it occurs in speech.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- CRITERION | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge gives criteria as the plural of criterion and notes singular criteria as common in speech but nonstandard in its American dictionary treatment.