Start date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Start date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the date on which a project, event, or employment begins. Example: "Please confirm the start date for the new project so we can schedule the kickoff meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Start date was start of documentation.

BMC Psychiatry

Trial start date: November 11th 2013.

BMC Psychiatry

Business start date and closing month of accounting year.

WikiHow

Length of employment - Start date and end date.

WikiHow

Start Date: 1974 Startup Costs: About $5,000.

Forbes

Start date was 14 January 2008.

BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

So a summer start date is crucial.

Independent

Registration closes two weeks after start date.

The New York Times

His reported start date is Aug. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

No start date was announced for construction.

The New York Times - Arts

There is no construction start date yet.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a "Start date", always include the year to avoid ambiguity, especially in long-term planning or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using vague references when defining a "Start date". For example, instead of saying "next week", provide a specific date like "August 11, 2025" to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Start date" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the point in time when something is scheduled to begin. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary role is to specify a commencement point for activities, projects, or periods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Start date" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the beginning of an event, project, or period. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and employed across numerous contexts. Usage analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news-related articles, as well as on wikis, emphasizing its broad applicability. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the year when using "Start date", avoiding vague references. Alternatives include "commencement date" and "beginning date", offering similar meaning with slight variations in formality or emphasis. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both professional and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commencement date

More formal alternative emphasizing the beginning or initiation of something.

Beginning date

Simple and direct synonym, focusing on the start or origin.

Inception date

Emphasizes the founding or establishment of something.

Effective date

Highlights when something becomes operational or valid.

Launch date

Commonly used for the initiation of a product, project, or event.

Kick-off date

Informal term for the start of a project or activity.

Start time

Focuses on the specific time something begins, rather than just the date.

Initial date

Highlights the date of the very first instance or occurrence.

Activation date

Refers to when something is made active or functional.

Go-live date

Industry term for the date a project or system becomes operational.

FAQs

How do I properly use "Start date" in a sentence?

Use "Start date" to clearly indicate the beginning of an event, project, or period. For example, "The project's "start date" is January 1, 2026" or "Please provide your employment "start date"."

What are some alternatives to "Start date"?

Alternatives include "commencement date", "beginning date", "inception date", and "effective date", depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify the year when mentioning a "Start date"?

Yes, including the year is crucial to avoid ambiguity, particularly in contexts spanning multiple years or when referring to historical events. For instance, specify "Start date: July 4, 2025" rather than just "Start date: July 4".

What's the difference between "Start date" and "End date"?

"Start date" indicates when something begins, while "End date" signifies when it concludes. Both are essential for defining a specific time frame. For example, a project's "Start date" might be October 1, 2025, and its "End date" December 31, 2025.