Why is the singluar form of criteria irregular?

The word "criteria" is actually the plural form, while "criterion" is the singular form. This makes it seem irregular because we are used to plurals ending in "-s" or "-es".

Here's why this is:

* Origin: "Criteria" comes from the Greek word "kritērion," meaning "standard of judgment."

* Latin Influence: The Latin word for criterion is "criterium", and Latin plurals often end in "-ia". This is where the English "criteria" comes from.

So, the apparent irregularity is actually just a result of the word's history and its roots in the Greek and Latin languages.

It's easy to understand why people get confused! Just remember:

* One standard of judgment is a criterion.

* More than one standard of judgment is criteria.