a proper date for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper date for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an appropriate or suitable time for an event or occasion. Example: "We need to find a proper date for the meeting that works for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In doing so it sheds light on how evolution progresses and shows that, sometimes at least, it is not a matter of all body parts changing smoothly in lock-step with each other, but rather of fits and starts, with one part shifting, and then another shifting later.Casting the bonesThe first thing Dr Arsuaga did was to establish a proper date for the fossils.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When she finally invited a proper date round for a summer supper – Alan was a new hire, and rather dashing, for an accountant – he seemed ill at ease from the start, having been ridiculously unsettled by the peculiar shelving of her Folio classics, which she'd given up standing spine out.

The Guardian - Books

Rather than asking irrelevant folks to read tea leaves for you, why not stand up and ask: "May I take you on a proper date?" (Which, for the record, will take place at a dimly lighted restaurant with a nice bottle of wine — and no professional peers milling around with name tags stuck to their chests).

The New York Times

Two weeks later, Rabbi Horwitz, who lived in Detroit, met her in Washington for a proper date: a picnic at the National Arboretum.

The New York Times

They're not necessarily looking for a proper "date" and certainly not a short- or long-term relationship.

TechCrunch

Guys are not even willing to give up the hour needed for a workout to take you out on a proper date.

Huffington Post

It's a proper date play, executed with theatrical ingenuity (1 30).

The New York Times

In April 2010, he asked her out on a proper date via text.

The New York Times

Appreciate it if you will publish the data with a proper date.

Forbes

ThIs article originally appeared on VICE US.

Vice

This Article originally appeared on VICE Ustudent

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a proper date for", ensure that the context clearly defines what makes the date 'proper' (e.g., availability, seasonality, deadlines).

Common error

Avoid assuming 'proper' always implies formality. It can simply mean 'suitable' or 'correct' depending on the situation. For instance, "a proper date for planting seeds" refers to the best time, not a formal event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper date for" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying "date", indicating the suitability or correctness of a particular time. The phrase is typically followed by a noun or gerund indicating the event or activity for which the date is considered suitable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proper date for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a suitable or correct time for an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, although its occurrence is relatively rare. The phrase is commonly found in news, science, and wiki contexts and the word 'proper' here most likely means 'suitable' rather than excessively formal. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes it clear what criteria define the 'proper' date.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An appropriate date for

Focuses on suitability and appropriateness of the date.

A suitable time for

Replaces 'date' with 'time', broadening the scope to any suitable moment.

A fitting occasion for

Shifts the focus to the event or occasion rather than just the date.

A correct date for

Emphasizes accuracy and correctness of the chosen date.

The right day for

Simplifies 'date' to 'day', making the phrase more casual.

A designated date for

Highlights the act of formally designating a date.

A scheduled date for

Emphasizes that the date has been officially scheduled.

An agreed upon date for

Highlights the aspect of mutual agreement on the date.

A preferred date for

Indicates that the date is favored over other options.

The optimal time for

Focuses on selecting the very best time for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "a proper date for" in a sentence?

You can use "a proper date for" to indicate the most suitable time for an event or action. For example, "We need to determine "an appropriate date for" the conference."

What's a good substitute for "a proper date for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a suitable time for", "the right time for", or "the best date for".

Is there a difference between "a proper date for" and "an appropriate date for"?

While similar, "a proper date for" can sometimes imply a more traditional or formal correctness, whereas "an appropriate date for" typically focuses on general suitability.

When is it best to use "a proper date for" over other similar phrases?

Use "a proper date for" when you want to emphasize that the date is not only suitable but also adheres to certain standards or expectations. For example, when discussing historical or scientific events where accuracy in timing is crucial.