a concrete date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a concrete date" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean a specific day or time that has been finalized or agreed upon for a meeting or event. For example, "We will need to set a concrete date for our next meeting before we can move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Representatives of the organizers are expected to meet in Geneva on June 5 to discuss details, including a concrete date.

The New York Times

Instead of setting a concrete date, make it contingent upon receipt of information, such as a certain number of days from the signed approval date.

The New York Times

This tradition was valuable for the same reasons it was dangerous: it reaffirmed millennialism as dogma and offered a concrete date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Secret Cinema's founder and director, Fabien Riggall, doesn't give a concrete date for when but says the company is talking to possible Australian partners.

The Guardian - Film

Thomson also said the BBC would not fund the rollout of its digital audio broadcasting (DAB) transmitter network to match the coverage currently provided by FM until the government had set a concrete date for digital switchover.

The Guardian

WASHINGTON — A sweeping accord between Iraq and the United States would set the end of 2011 as a concrete date for American withdrawal from Iraq, based on the performance and increasing capacity of the Iraqi security forces, according to a draft of the agreement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Speaking to TechRadar, Visa's mobile head Pedro Sousa said: "We don't have any concrete dates, but we're talking about next year".

Independent

"I have struggled with this decision, but I finally decided that, while I cannot betray my conscience, I cannot stand in the way of passing a measure that puts a concrete end date on this unnecessary war". That was the message of Democratic leaders: This is the best deal they could make, and it is better than no deal at all.

The Washington Post

So it's not a concrete release date, but its just about the closest thing we have to one.

TechCrunch

Skydio doesn't have a concrete release date for its system, but is pushing to get software out the door this year.

TechCrunch

Pine64 doesn't have a concrete release date, but it's expecting pre-production units to be available by mid-March.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a concrete date", ensure it's accompanied by a specific day, month, and year to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "We need a concrete date", specify "We need a concrete date like July 15, 2025."

Common error

Avoid using "a concrete date" followed by vague time references like "sometime next month" or "early next year". This undermines the purpose of having a specific date. Always pair it with exact calendar details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concrete date" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'set a concrete date') or as a complement, indicating a specific point in time. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concrete date" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a specific, confirmed date. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. To use it effectively, ensure you provide exact details, avoiding vague references that undermine its purpose. Alternatives such as "a specific date" or ""a definite date"" can be used interchangeably. Remember to specify the date clearly to maintain precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definite date

Emphasizes the certainty and finality of the date.

a specific date

Highlights the particularity of the date.

a confirmed date

Indicates that the date has been officially verified and agreed upon.

a fixed date

Stresses the immutability and established nature of the date.

a set date

Implies that the date has been arranged and determined.

a scheduled date

Suggests the date is part of an official plan or program.

an exact date

Highlights the precision and accuracy of the date.

a precise date

Focuses on the accuracy and detail of the date.

a firm date

Highlights that the date is confirmed and unlikely to change.

a decided date

Indicates that a decision regarding the date has been made.

FAQs

How is "a concrete date" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a concrete date" is generally used to indicate that a specific and definite date has been set for an event, meeting, or deadline. For example, "We need to establish "a definite date" for the project launch."

What are some alternatives to using "a concrete date"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific date", "a confirmed date", or "a fixed date" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "a concrete date" or "a tentative date"?

"A concrete date" implies a firm and confirmed date, while "a tentative date" suggests a provisional or uncertain date. The choice depends on whether the date is finalized or still subject to change.

What does it mean when someone says they can't provide "a concrete date"?

It typically means that they are unable to commit to a specific date at that time, either because of uncertainty, pending decisions, or other factors that prevent them from setting "a definite date".