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 experience, education, and communication skills. [criteria: noun]
Example
The criteria for success in this project are efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness. [criteria: plural noun]
standard
Example
The company has set high standards for customer service. [standard: noun]
Example
The standard of living in this country has improved over the years. [standard: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Standard is more commonly used than criteria in everyday language. Standard is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while criteria is less common and tends to be used in more specific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between criteria and standard?
Both criteria and standard can be used in formal and informal contexts, but criteria may be more commonly used in technical or academic settings.
