a specific date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a specific date' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a date which is definite and known. For example: We must ensure that our project is completed before a specific date.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't ask for a specific date.

The New Yorker

The remaining 29 have not yet arranged a specific date.

The Guardian

A specific date for his departure has not been set.

The New York Times - Sports

"You don't have to give a specific date," Brian said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Officials, however, have not released a specific date.

The New York Times

Romney was not proposing a specific date for withdrawal.

The New Yorker

Olson said he could not give a specific date.

The Guardian

They did not announce a specific date or a theater.

The New York Times

But the American request for a specific date was frustrated.

The New York Times

Mr. Gillinson said he could not give a specific date.

The New York Times - Arts

She is seeking a specific date for a meeting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling events or deadlines, always provide "a specific date" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. This helps everyone involved to be on the same page.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "sometime soon" or "in the near future" when "a specific date" is required. These vague references can lead to misunderstandings and missed deadlines. Instead, provide a concrete date.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific date" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adjunct to express a precise point in time. As Ludwig indicates, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific date" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for pinpointing a particular point in time. As shown by Ludwig, it's correct and common. Its usage spans across news, academia, and everyday conversation, making it versatile for various communication needs. To ensure clarity, always provide "a specific date" when scheduling events or deadlines. Avoiding vague time references will prevent misunderstandings. Related phrases like "a particular date" or "an exact date" can be used for variety, but the core message remains the same: precision in timing is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular date

Replaces "specific" with "particular", maintaining the meaning of a designated day.

an exact date

Substitutes "specific" with "exact", emphasizing precision.

a precise date

Replaces "specific" with "precise", highlighting accuracy in timing.

a set date

Uses "set" instead of "specific", indicating a prearranged or determined day.

a fixed date

Employs "fixed" to convey the idea of an unchangeable or established day.

a designated date

Uses "designated" to suggest a date chosen for a particular purpose.

a scheduled date

Replaces "specific" with "scheduled", implying a planned or timetabled day.

a chosen date

Substitutes "specific" with "chosen", indicating a date selected from options.

an appointed date

Uses "appointed" instead of "specific", suggesting a date assigned officially.

a given date

Replaces "specific" with "given", meaning a known or already stated date.

FAQs

How to use "a specific date" in a sentence?

You can use "a specific date" when you need to refer to a particular date. For instance, "The project deadline is set for "a specific date" in December."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a particular date", "an exact date", or "a precise date", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a specific date" or "a date"?

"A date" is a general term, while ""a specific date"" implies a particular, known date. The choice depends on whether you need to emphasize the specificity of the date.

When should I use "a specific date" instead of just "date"?

Use ""a specific date"" when you want to emphasize that you are referring to a particular, known, and definite date, rather than a general timeframe or unspecified day.