"the criteria are" vs "the criteria is"

Question

"the criteria are" vs "the criteria is"

Both 'the criteria is' and 'the criteria are' are commonly used, but 'the criteria are' is more grammatically correct. 'Criteria' is the plural form of 'criterion,' so it should be paired with the plural verb 'are.' However, in informal or less formal contexts, 'the criteria is' is often used.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

Use 'the criteria are' when referring to multiple criteria. This is the more grammatically correct form, especially in formal or written contexts.

Examples:

The criteria are essential for the evaluation process.
All the criteria are met in this project.

Alternatives:

the criteria is
the criterion is
the criterion are

This phrase is often used in informal settings, but it is not considered grammatically correct. It is better to use 'the criteria are' in formal or written contexts.

Examples:

The criteria is not clear in this case.
One of the criteria is missing from the list.

Alternatives:

the criteria are
the criterion is
the criterion are

Answer 1

the criteria are

This phrase is more grammatically correct as 'criteria' is the plural form of 'criterion.' It should be paired with the plural verb 'are.'

Answer 2

the criteria is

This phrase is commonly used in informal or less formal contexts, even though it is not grammatically correct.

"the criteria are" vs "the criteria is"

the criteria are

the criteria is

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