“A criteria” or “a criterion”: which is correct?
a criterion
The short answer
The correct singular form of criteria is criterion. Use criterion when referring to a single standard or principle, and criteria when referring to multiple.
Why people get it wrong
People often make this error because criteria is commonly misperceived as a singular noun when it is actually the plural form of criterion.
What kind of mistake it is
It is a grammatical error, specifically a singular-plural mismatch.
Examples with a criterion
- This is the main criterion for selection.
- The criteria for admission include academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
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