a date at which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a date at which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying a particular date related to an event or occurrence. Example: "We need to finalize a date at which the meeting will take place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Under Greyrock's new "price protection" program, buyers closing on one of its houses may negotiate a date at which the home will be reappraised.

The New York Times

Union officials have long believed that Bettman and the owners had a date at which they planned to change tactics and begin pursuing an agreement.

The New York Times - Sports

Investors pick a date at which they plan to withdraw their money — typically the year they plan to begin retirement — and the fund manager handles all the investment decisions, shifting to more conservative investments as the due date draws nearer.

The New York Times

It is possible that the Marquesas were settled as early as the 2nd century bce, rather than 300 ce, a date at which settlements may have occurred in Hawaii.

Britannica

Suppose that at some future date — a date at which private demand for funds has revived, so that there are lending opportunities — the US government has committed itself to spending equal to 27 percent of GDP, while the tax laws only lead to 17 percent of GDP in revenues.

The New York Times

There is, in the future, a date at which these companies expect to stop consuming cash to operate.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A "to" approach adjusts the allocation up to a target date, at which time it becomes finalized.

Forbes

All providers were given the CKD guideline reference card; providers unable to attend a lecture were given the CKD reference card at a later date at which time the content of the lecture was briefly discussed.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

However, when pressed by colleagues, MPs said she carefully avoided offering a specific date at which she would resign.

The Guardian

While it is true that individual bonds have a maturity date at which you are assured of receiving back your principal (all other things being equal), that is not true with bond funds.

Forbes

She is awaiting a court date at which she hopes he will be ordered to pay child support, she said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a date at which" when you need to specify a formal agreement or plan contingent on a particular date. It provides a sense of precision and commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "a date at which" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a time when" or "the date that" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a date at which" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun (usually "date" or a similar temporal noun) by specifying a condition or event linked to that particular date. Ludwig's examples show how this phrase introduces details related to actions and plans.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a date at which" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify a particular point in time when an event is planned or a condition will be met. While not overly common, as indicated by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in scientific contexts. The phrase carries a formal tone, making it more suitable for professional communications or situations where precision is required. When aiming for simplicity in everyday writing, consider alternative phrases like "a time when" or "a date when".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a time when

Replaces "at which" with a more common and simpler temporal conjunction.

a date on which

Substitutes "at which" with "on which", providing a slightly more formal alternative.

a specific date for

Uses a more direct construction, focusing on the purpose of the date.

the date upon which

Offers a more formal and emphatic version using "upon which".

the point in time when

Replaces 'date' with 'point in time', making it less specific to a calendar date.

the occasion when

Shifts the focus from a specific date to an event or occasion.

a deadline of

Implies a due date or a final date for something.

a scheduled time of

Focuses on the planned aspect of the date or time.

the designated day for

Emphasizes the act of assigning or selecting a date.

a future juncture where

Introduces a more abstract sense of time and condition.

FAQs

How can I use "a date at which" in a sentence?

You can use "a date at which" to specify a particular date related to an event or decision. For example, "We need to determine "a date at which" the contract will be signed."

What's a simpler way to say "a date at which"?

Alternatives include "a time when", "a date on which", or "the date that". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "a date at which" too formal for everyday writing?

While grammatically correct, "a date at which" can sound formal. Consider using simpler alternatives unless the context requires a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "a date at which" and "a date when"?

Both phrases indicate a specific point in time, but "a date at which" carries a slightly more formal tone compared to the more commonly used and straightforward "a time when" or "a date when".