a little date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small or casual meeting or outing, often romantic in nature. Example: "We decided to have a little date at the coffee shop down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He delivers his first lines to the terrified hostages by reading from a little date book, as if he needs to remind himself which master heist he is scheduled to perform that day.

The New Yorker

It even has a little date window and sub-seconds at 9 o'clock.

TechCrunch

While it doesn't have many features – just a sweep second hand and a little date window – it's a great way to catch the watch bug and costs about $150 on a steel bracelet.

TechCrunch

I try to take him out every month like a little date.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Santa Barbara-style design is a little dated now but the rooms certainly have every luxury, from CD/DVD players and minibars to kitchenettes in the suites.

The Guardian - Travel

In the 2014 Super Bowl ad from Dannon, John Stamos got a little dating advice from a few good friends -- "Full House" co-stars Bob Saget and Dave Coulier.

Huffington Post

"People want a little dating before marriage".

TechCrunch

It sure was a fun little date night.

Huffington Post

It was a bizarre little dating test, and I ended up married to a guy who still hasn't read the book".

The New York Times - Books

To the extent that a date can sometimes feel like an interview, these interviews often felt a little like dates.

The New Yorker

His approach to starting companies is a little like dating, The New York Times writes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little date" to describe an informal and brief romantic encounter, such as a coffee or a walk in the park. Avoid using it for formal or serious occasions.

Common error

Don't use "a little date" to refer to a significant or elaborate romantic event, like an anniversary dinner or a weekend getaway. It implies something more casual and short.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little date" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a specific kind of event. It's commonly used to characterize an outing that is both informal and brief.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a little date" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a short, casual, and often romantic outing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates the informal nature of such an encounter. While the phrase sees frequent usage in news and media, as well as wiki contexts, its register remains generally informal. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for appropriate contexts such as describing a brief get-together rather than a significant romantic event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A mini date

Emphasizes the small and intimate scale of the date.

A simple date

Focuses on the simplicity and unpretentiousness of the date.

A casual outing

Replaces 'date' with a more general term, emphasizing the informal nature.

An informal meet-up

Stresses the lack of formality in the encounter.

An easygoing date

Emphasizes the relaxed and uncomplicated nature of the date.

A short rendezvous

Uses a slightly more formal word for 'meeting', but retains the intimate implication.

A brief get-together

Highlights the social and relaxed atmosphere of the occasion.

A cosy date

Highlights the intimacy and comfort of the date.

A quick romantic meeting

Specifies the purpose and shortness of the meeting.

A small romantic excursion

Suggests a short trip or outing with romantic intent.

FAQs

What does "a little date" mean?

The phrase "a little date" refers to a short, casual, and often romantic outing or meeting between two people. It suggests something less formal than a traditional date.

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

You can use alternatives like "a casual outing", "a brief get-together", or "a simple date" depending on the context.

Is "a little date" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a little date" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is a commonly used phrase.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a little date"?

It's appropriate to use "a little date" when describing a relaxed and informal romantic encounter. It's less suitable for describing formal or significant events.