A singular blunder: why "a criteria" doesn't make the cut (hint: it's "criterion")

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 07/10/2024, 18:59

English.me team member

What kind of error is it?

A criteria or a criterion. What's correct?

It is a grammatical error, specifically a singular-plural mismatch.

Why do people make this mistake?

People often make this error because "criteria" is commonly misperceived as a singular noun when it is actually the plural form of "criterion".

What is correct?

The correct singular form of "criteria" is "criterion". Use "criterion" when referring to a single standard or principle, and "criteria" when referring to multiple.

Examples of correct usage

This is the main criterion for selection.
The criteria for admission include academic performance and extracurricular involvement.