What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
criterion
Example
The main criterion for admission to the program is academic excellence. [criterion: noun]
Example
The company has a strict criterion for selecting its employees. [criterion: singular form]
standard
Example
The product meets the industry standard for safety and quality. [standard: noun]
Example
The company has set high standards for customer service. [standard: plural form]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Standard is more commonly used than criterion in everyday language. Standard is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while criterion is less common and tends to be used in more specialized or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between criterion and standard?
Criterion is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while standard is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
