a date when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a date when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify a particular time or occasion for an event or action. Example: "Please let me know a date when we can schedule the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The restaurants have not yet set a date when tickets will go on sale.

The New York Times

I can't give you a date when it will be decided.

The New York Times

But I needed the intervening years to find a date when I could go.

The New York Times - Arts

"Let's get it done; let's set a date when we are going to eliminate it".

The New York Times

Google has not yet set a date when it will stop censoring search results inside China.

The Guardian - Tech

You go on a date when you're 25 and you've been divorced?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A great place for a date when it's quiet, or for posing when it's busy.

The Guardian - Travel

And Ping-Pong players welcomed the chance to compete outdoors on a date when conditions are typically less hospitable.

The New York Times

She realized it was a date when he ordered an expensive bottle of sake without consulting her.

The New York Times

A date when investors can begin tendering their Aventis shares to Sanofi has not yet been set.

The New York Times

Today the 24-member board called on the elder Wagner to announce a date when he would step down.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a date when", ensure the context clearly defines what event or action is associated with that particular date. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the time reference.

Common error

Avoid using "a date when" without specifying the event. For example, instead of saying "We need a date when", specify "We need a date when the project can be completed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a date when" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (usually referring to a point in time, like "date", "time", or "day"). It introduces information that further specifies or describes the noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a date when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to specify a time associated with an event or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts and registers, although most commonly found in news and media. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; ensure the context makes evident the associated event. While alternatives like "a time when" or "a moment when" exist, "a date when" provides specific timing, making it a versatile choice for specifying dates in numerous contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a time when

Replaces "date" with the more general "time", broadening the scope to any point in time, not just a specific calendar date.

a moment when

Substitutes "date" with "moment", emphasizing a specific, often brief, point in time.

the occasion when

Uses "occasion" instead of "date", highlighting the event or happening rather than just the calendar day.

the day that

Replaces "date when" with "day that", focusing specifically on a calendar day.

a period when

Changes "date" to "period", indicating a duration of time rather than a specific point.

an instance when

Uses "instance" to refer to a particular occurrence or event, moving away from the specific calendar meaning of "date".

the point at which

Replaces the phrase with a more formal and precise expression, indicating the exact time something happens.

a scheduled time for

Focuses on the act of scheduling, implying a planned event rather than just any date.

a designated day for

Emphasizes the act of designating or assigning a specific day for something.

the timeframe in which

Replaces the phrase with a broader timeframe, emphasizing the duration rather than a single date.

FAQs

How can I use "a date when" in a sentence?

The phrase "a date when" introduces a relative clause specifying the time something will happen. For example, "I need to find "a date when" everyone is available for the meeting".

What can I say instead of "a date when"?

You can use alternatives like "a time when", "a moment when", or "the occasion when" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "a date when"?

While "when" implies a date, using "a date when" is grammatically correct and provides clarity, especially when emphasizing the importance of the specific date.

What's the difference between "a date when" and "a date that"?

"A date when" specifies the time something occurs, while "a date that" is less common and might be used when the date itself is the subject. "A date when" is more suitable when referring to an event happening at that time.