a exact date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a exact date" is not correct in English.
It should be "an exact date." You can use the corrected phrase when specifying a precise date for an event or deadline. Example: "Please provide me with an exact date for the meeting so I can schedule accordingly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Try and get a commitment to an exact date.

The Guardian - Money

Radiocarbon dating provides a range, often spanning 200 years or more, rather than an exact date for a site.

The Economist

Although an exact date in a patient record cannot be encoded with SNOMED CT, it is possible to encode the term as a past medical history.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

This is the only culture that gave an exact date and even set a time of day.

Huffington Post

It is also a good possibility that an individual, in the cloud of PTSD, misremembers an exact date.

Huffington Post

"I can't give you an exact date when I arrived at a position.

Huffington Post

Bryant, 35, is expected to return from a fractured knee in early February, though an exact date is undetermined.

Los Angeles Times

Instead of setting an exact date for your departure, set a time-frame.

WikiHow

(Donaldson spends too long sifting the matter of an exact date in the summer, in an ample digression on astrology).

The New York Times - Books

Balfour Beatty will announce an exact date for the July reopening at a later stage.

BBC

He explains that the origins of PR cannot be pinpointed to an exact date, because it developed over time through a series of events.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a date, follow up with the year to avoid ambiguity, especially in written communication. For example, instead of saying "The deadline is October 15", specify "The deadline is October 15, 2026."

Common error

A common error is using the article "a" instead of "an" before the word "exact". Remember that "exact" starts with a vowel sound, so the correct article to use is "an". Avoid writing "a exact date"; instead, write "an exact date".

Linguistic Context

The phrase is grammatically incorrect because it uses the article "a" before a word that starts with a vowel sound. The correct form is "an exact date". As Ludwig AI points out, this is a common error, although sources indicate its frequency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "a exact date" is frequently encountered, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the correct usage is "an exact date". This error stems from using the wrong article before a word starting with a vowel sound. To avoid this, always remember to use "an" before "exact". The phrase is generally used to pinpoint a specific time, with sources from news, media, and general knowledge contexts showing its widespread application. To maximize clarity, follow the best practice of specifying the year to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exact date

Corrects the grammar by using "an" instead of "a" before "exact".

the exact date

Adds the article 'the' for a more formal or emphatic way to highlight that only one date exist.

a specific date

Replaces 'exact' with 'specific', indicating a particular date rather than a vague one.

a precise date

Substitutes 'exact' with 'precise', emphasizing accuracy and detail in the date.

a definite date

Replaces 'exact' with 'definite', suggesting a clear and certain date.

an actual date

Replaces 'exact' with 'actual', highlighting the reality or truth of the date.

a particular date

Uses 'particular' instead of 'exact', suggesting a specific date chosen from many possibilities.

a fixed date

Emphasizes that the date is set and not subject to change, using 'fixed' instead of 'exact'.

a set date

Similar to 'fixed date', indicating that the date has been determined and agreed upon.

a confirmed date

Highlights that the date has been verified and is certain, replacing 'exact' with 'confirmed'.

FAQs

Should I say "a exact date" or "an exact date"?

The correct phrasing is "an exact date". The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, and "exact" begins with a vowel sound. Using "a exact date" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "a specific date" and "an exact date"?

While both phrases refer to a particular date, "an exact date" implies a higher degree of precision. "A specific date" simply indicates a particular date as opposed to a general timeframe, but not with a pinpoint accuracy. "An exact date" leaves no room for ambiguity.

How do I use "an exact date" in a sentence?

You can use "an exact date" when you need to specify a precise point in time for an event, deadline, or other commitment. For example, "We need an exact date for the project launch" or "Please provide an exact date by which you can complete the task".

What are some alternatives to saying "an exact date"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a precise date", "a specific date", or "a confirmed date". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.