a start date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a start date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the specific date on which an event, project, or activity is scheduled to begin. Example: "Please confirm a start date for the project so we can begin preparations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

TNT has yet to announce a start date.

Independent

Normally people are recruited with a start date.

The Guardian

Most people think of retirement in linear terms, or something with a start date.

The New York Times

That is likely to mean a start date some time early next year.

The New York Times

Woolf not only helped bring about modernism; she dared give it a start date.

The New Yorker

Ankara hopes to secure a start date for membership talks with the EU this December.

The Guardian

She did not give details on a start date or routes.

The New York Times

They had a start date of November 1971, and this was already the summer of '71.

The New York Times

The BBC is yet to confirm a start date or the length of the new run.

The Guardian

A start date for the series has not yet been decided.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That is a start date that would likely delay the initial trading until early or mid-June.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling or planning, always specify the time along with "a start date" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

When mentioning "a start date", ensure you include the year, especially when discussing events that span across multiple years, to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a start date" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific point in time when an activity, project, or event is scheduled to begin. Ludwig examples show its use in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a start date" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the beginning of an event or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal discussions. To ensure clarity, always provide the full date, including the year, when using this phrase. Consider using alternatives like "initiation date" or "commencement date" for a more formal tone, as mentioned in the Ludwig AI analysis. With its frequent usage and clear meaning, mastering the use of this phrase will improve the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beginning date

A more general term for the date when something starts.

an initiation date

Emphasizes the formal beginning or launch of something.

a commencement date

Highlights the formal beginning of an event or period.

a scheduled start

Highlights that the start is planned and included in a schedule.

a launch date

Specifically refers to the date when a product, project, or event is launched or released.

an effective date

Refers to the date when a policy, rule, or agreement becomes effective.

a kickoff date

Implies an energetic and informal start to a project or activity.

a designated start

Emphasizes that the start date was formally appointed.

an activation date

Indicates the date when something becomes active or operational.

a go-live date

Commonly used in project management, referring to when a system or project goes live.

FAQs

How do you use "a start date" in a sentence?

You can use "a start date" to specify when an event, project, or activity will begin. For example, "The project has "a designated start" of next Monday."

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

Alternatives to "a start date" include phrases like "an initiation date", "a commencement date", or "a launch date" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a start date" and "an effective date"?

"A start date" generally refers to the beginning of any activity or event. "An effective date" usually refers to when a policy, rule, or agreement legally comes into force.

How can I clearly communicate "a start date" to avoid misunderstandings?

To prevent any confusion, always specify the full date (day, month, and year) and, if necessary, the time when communicating "a start date". Providing additional context can also help.