Date of death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Date of death" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts such as obituaries, legal documents, or medical records. Example: "The date of death for the deceased was recorded as March 15, 2023." Alternative expressions include "Date of passing" and "Date of demise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Date of death Monday, Sept. 3).

The New Yorker

Date of death, Sunday, Jan . 22 , 1967

The New Yorker

Date of death was obtained from the Cancer Network Information System Cymru database (CaNISC, Velindre NHS Trust, Wales).

EJNMMI Research

Date of death was collected likewise.

Plosone

Date of death was obtained from medical records or interview responses.

Plosone

Date of death was recorded as per death certificate.

British Journal of Cancer

Date of death was obtained from the municipality.

Age and Ageing

Date of death, if the malignancy is discovered at autopsy.

British Journal of Cancer

Date of death during hospitalization was extracted from patient records.

BMC Infectious Diseases

No exact date of death was given.

The New York Times

An exact date of death could not be pinpointed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing obituaries or formal documents, ensure that the "date of death" is accurate and verified. Cross-reference with official records like death certificates to avoid errors.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by using a consistent and internationally recognized date format (YYYY-MM-DD) when recording the "date of death", especially in databases or official records.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "date of death" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it providing specific information in various contexts, such as medical records, obituaries, and legal documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "date of death" is a frequently used noun phrase that serves to provide precise information about when a person died. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and appears most often in scientific and news contexts. While functional and clear, consider the audience. Alternatives like "date of passing" may be more appropriate in sensitive situations. When including the "date of death" in official documents, always verify its accuracy and adhere to consistent formatting guidelines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Date of passing

A more euphemistic and gentler way to refer to the "date of death", often used in obituaries or conversations with grieving individuals.

Day of death

A simple and direct alternative, emphasizing the calendar day when death occurred.

Date of demise

A formal and somewhat archaic term for "date of death", often found in historical records or legal documents.

Date of mortality

A formal and technical term for "date of death", typically used in statistical or demographic contexts.

Time of death

Focuses on the specific moment when death occurred, rather than just the calendar date.

Moment of death

Emphasizes the instant of passing, often used in a more emotional or dramatic context.

Terminal date

Refers to the final date in a series or process, specifically in the context of a life.

Died on

Focuses on action, more concise than the original query. The year could be included after 'on'

Date of expiration

Similar to 'expiration date' but more formal.

Expiration date

A metaphorical use, comparing life to a product with a limited shelf life, often used humorously or ironically.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "date of death" in a sentence?

You can use "date of death" in various contexts, such as: "The "date of death" was recorded as January 1, 2025" or "Information regarding the patient's "date of death" is confidential".

What are some alternative phrases for "date of death"?

Some alternatives include "date of passing", "date of demise", or simply "died on", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Where can I find reliable information about a person's "date of death"?

Official records like death certificates, obituaries published in reputable news sources, and genealogical databases are good sources. Be cautious about information from unverified online sources.

Is it appropriate to use "date of death" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "date of death" can sound blunt in casual conversation. Consider using gentler alternatives like "date of passing" or referring to the event indirectly depending on the relationship with the person you are talking to.