a few dates

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few dates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small number of appointments, engagements, or interactions with other people. For example, "We've only been on a few dates, but I think I'm really falling for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some sweeten theirs with a few dates.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After a few dates, a sexual affair developed.

The New Yorker

Mr. Smith and Ms. Spiers went on a few dates.

The New York Times

A few dates later, they had matching tattoos (of a chef's knife) put on their shoulders.

The New York Times

They gave us a few dates, and they were all Saturday nights.

The New York Times - Food

He goes on a few dates with a cute barista named Olivia.

The New Yorker

"There are a few dates which will change due to the general elections.

Independent

During the current tour, a few dates have been canceled or moved after complaints.

The New York Times

In 1996, he played a few dates on the Lollapalooza tour headlined by Metallica.

The New York Times - Arts

She did not rule out the possibility of going on a few dates herself.

The New York Times - Travel

After a few dates, the girl shows up in tears, saying she has a terrible secret.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few dates" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to social engagements or specific calendar days. For instance, 'We went on "a few dates"' implies romantic encounters, while 'The project has "a few dates" scheduled for completion' refers to calendar days.

Common error

Avoid using "a few dates" when you mean a significant number of events. "A few" implies a small quantity, so using it for a large number can be misleading. Instead, use phrases like 'several dates' or 'many dates' when the quantity is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few dates" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, modifying the noun "dates" to indicate a small, indefinite quantity. It is used to specify a limited number of occasions or appointments, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

17%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few dates" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a small number of social or calendar events. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts. While "a few dates" is generally neutral in tone, it's important to choose more formal alternatives like "several appointments" in professional settings. The phrase's usage is particularly frequent in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to social engagements or specific calendar days to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of dates

Uses "couple" instead of "few", implying a slightly smaller number.

several appointments

Replaces "dates" with a more formal synonym, suitable for professional contexts.

a handful of dates

Emphasizes a small, manageable quantity of dates.

a limited number of dates

Explicitly states that the number of dates is restricted.

some scheduled meetings

Replaces "dates" with a more formal term, focusing on the planned nature of the events.

a select number of dates

Suggests a pre-determined or chosen set of dates.

a number of engagements

Uses "engagements" to highlight commitments, suitable for formal occasions.

a few occasions

Replaces "dates" with a more general term, broadening the context.

certain appointments

Emphasizes that specific appointments are under discussion

some days

Uses a broader term that includes any day where something happens

FAQs

How can I use "a few dates" in a sentence?

You can use "a few dates" to refer to a small number of social engagements, such as "After "a few dates", they decided to become exclusive". It can also refer to a small number of specific days, as in "The conference spans "a few dates" in July".

What can I say instead of "a few dates"?

You can use alternatives like "several appointments", "a couple of dates", or "a handful of dates" depending on the context and the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a few dates" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a few dates" is more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using "several appointments" or "a number of engagements" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "a few dates" and "some dates"?

"A few dates" implies a smaller, more limited number than "some dates". While both indicate an indefinite quantity, "a few" suggests a more restricted set of occasions or appointments compared to "some", which is more general.