What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
criteria
Example
The selection criteria for the job included a minimum of 3 years of experience. [criteria: noun]
Example
The criteria for evaluating the project's success were based on cost, quality, and timeliness. [criteria: plural noun]
guideline
Example
The company provided guidelines for employees on how to handle customer complaints. [guidelines: plural noun]
Example
The doctor gave me some guidelines for managing my high blood pressure. [guidelines: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guideline is more commonly used than criteria in everyday language. Guidelines are versatile and can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while criteria are more commonly used in formal settings such as job applications or academic evaluations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between criteria and guideline?
Criteria is typically associated with a more formal tone, while guidelines can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
