a firm date

USAGE SUMMARY

"a firm date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an agreed-upon date or deadline. For example: "We need to set a firm date for the project deadline so everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not a firm date in April.

The New York Times

The declaration does not set a firm date.

The New York Times

But now it has set a firm date for when the programme will commence.

The Economist

On September 22nd it will unveil a firm date for the election, long promised for December.

The Economist

Judge Stephen said: "That is a firm date for both sides.

The New York Times

Asked when any decision might be announced, she said: "We don't have a firm date.

The New York Times

He has repeatedly promised to hold elections, but has failed to set a firm date.

The New York Times

The vote is tentatively set for 2016, although a firm date has not yet been set.

The Guardian

But they avoided every opportunity to put a firm date on when the proceedings might end.

The New York Times

But Ms. Yesipova said a firm date for the plant's start had not been set.

The New York Times

Mr. Betsky said the board had not set a firm date to start the capital campaign.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a firm date", ensure all parties involved understand the commitment and consequences of missing the deadline. This promotes accountability and efficient project management.

Common error

Avoid undermining the purpose of setting "a firm date" by immediately adding caveats or wiggle room. Presenting a definitive deadline followed by expressions of uncertainty weakens the commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm date" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As seen in Ludwig, it denotes a specific and agreed-upon deadline or point in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm date" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a specific, agreed-upon deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to establish clarity and commitment. When employing this phrase, ensure to maintain consistency by avoiding ambiguity after specifying the date. Alternative phrases like "a fixed date" or "a set date" offer similar meanings. Therefore, using "a firm date" is a straightforward and effective way to communicate deadlines clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fixed date

Replaces 'firm' with 'fixed' emphasizing the unchangeable nature of the date.

a set date

Substitutes 'firm' with 'set', indicating the date has been established.

a definite date

Uses 'definite' instead of 'firm', highlighting the certainty of the date.

an agreed-upon date

Rephrases to specify that the date has been mutually agreed upon.

a scheduled date

Focuses on the act of scheduling, implying a prearranged time.

a confirmed date

Highlights that the date has been officially confirmed.

a deadline

Offers a more general term that refers to a final date for something.

a target date

Implies that the date is a goal to be achieved.

an established date

Focuses on the date being formally established or recognized.

a specific timeframe

Broadens the expression to include a period of time instead of a single day.

FAQs

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

You can use "a firm date" to indicate a specific and unchangeable deadline. For example, "The project must be completed by "a firm date" in December."

What phrases can I use instead of "a firm date"?

Alternatives include "a fixed date", "a set date", or "a definite date". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "firm date" or "fixed date"?

Both "firm date" and "fixed date" are acceptable. "Firm date" emphasizes commitment and agreement, while "fixed date" stresses immutability. Choose based on the context.

What happens if I don't have "a firm date"?

Without "a firm date", projects can lack focus and deadlines can drift, potentially leading to delays and inefficiencies. Establishing "a firm date" helps maintain accountability and ensures timely completion.