a definite date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a definite date' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a precise, agreed-upon date as opposed to a vague or uncertain one. For example, "We need to set a definite date for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But I was never given a definite date.

The Guardian

The former European trade commissioner was due to have announced a definite date for his departure from BP after 12 years in the chairmanship.

The Guardian - Business

6. (C) Aliyev noted that at Sochi, President Sargsian had inserted a proposal for specifying a definite date for a referendum or plebiscite on NK final status.

The Guardian

The state hopes to push the election back a week, to Sept. 13, but a definite date has not been set.

The Washington Post

Some patients have been able to name a definite date when the character of the headache changed completely; others have noted a greater severity of the paroxysms.

Harvard University

Nothing is known of the authorship of the sagas of Icelanders, and it has proved impossible to assign a definite date to many of them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I don't have any definite date though.

The New Yorker

It is impossible to compartmentalize the different stages as beginning and ending at any definite date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this study, the placental mammals sampled were all from Boreoeutheria fauna, whose members diverged at a relatively definite date, approximately 94 100 MYA [33] [34].

Plosone

While a project might have a definite start date, a specific end date is rarely specified.

Science Magazine

Seneca lived from ca. 4 BCE to 65 CE which provides us with an earliest date, but not a definite latest date.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a definite date", ensure that the context clearly indicates what event the date refers to. Ambiguity can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying "We have a definite date", specify "We have a definite date for the project launch".

Common error

Avoid using "a definite date" prematurely when the date is still subject to change or pending approval. Saying "The meeting is set for a definite date" before confirming with all parties can lead to rescheduling and inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite date" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically related to events, deadlines, or schedules. It provides specific information about the certainty and fixity of a particular date. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

HuffPost

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite date" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a specific and confirmed point in time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across various writing styles, including news, academic, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "a specific date" or "a fixed date" exist, "a definite date" remains a versatile and effective way to communicate certainty about a date. Remember to use the phrase accurately, confirming its definiteness before usage to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific date

Emphasizes precision and particularity, similar to 'definite' but focusing on the exact point in time.

an exact date

Similar to 'specific date', reinforcing the notion of pinpoint accuracy.

a precise date

Similar to 'exact date' and 'specific date', reinforcing the notion of pinpoint accuracy.

a confirmed date

Highlights that the date has been verified and agreed upon, emphasizing certainty.

a set date

Highlights that the date has been established or arranged, implying a prior decision.

a fixed date

Suggests the date is unchangeable or firmly established, adding a sense of rigidity.

a firm date

Indicates a strong commitment to the date, suggesting it's unlikely to be altered.

a designated date

Suggests the date has been officially chosen or assigned for a particular purpose.

a scheduled date

Emphasizes that the date is part of a plan or timetable, suggesting organization.

a target date

Highlights a planned completion date, implying the existence of goals and timelines.

FAQs

How to use "a definite date" in a sentence?

You can use "a definite date" when referring to a specific, agreed-upon date for an event or action. For example, "We need to establish "a definite date" for the conference" or "The project has "a definite date" for completion".

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

You can use alternatives like "a specific date", "a set date", or "a fixed date" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the definite date" instead of "a definite date"?

While "the definite date" isn't grammatically incorrect, "a definite date" is more commonly used when you are establishing or referring to a single, specific date that wasn't previously known or agreed upon. "The definite date" is more appropriate when referring back to a date already discussed.

What's the difference between "a tentative date" and "a definite date"?

"A tentative date" implies that the date is provisional and subject to change, while "a definite date" means the date is confirmed and unlikely to be altered. One is uncertain, and the other is certain.