actual date

USAGE SUMMARY

"actual date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the real date that a particular event happened or will happen. For example, "The actual date of his passing was June 18th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then, the Actual Date.

The New York Times

First Dates is all about the actual date itself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

An actual date, though, would soon require a plane ticket.

The New York Times

The actual date of the work is unknown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The actual date is noted in the index.

The New York Times - Arts

My actual date was February 4th of 2010.

The New York Times

An actual date?! I'm finding him slightly distractingly Village People, esp in that stripey top.

The Guardian - Film

Not the process of elimination that leads up to a date, but the actual date itself.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's quite a jolt to contrast the modernity of this view with the poem's actual date.

The Guardian - Books

This year it's Richard Rodgers's big 100th -- the actual date is this Friday.

The New York Times - Arts

Though it's usually celebrated on 23 April, his actual date of birth is unclear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actual date" when you need to emphasize the real or confirmed date, especially when there might be confusion or discrepancy with other dates.

Common error

Avoid using "actual date" when an approximation is more appropriate. If the exact date is unknown, phrases like "estimated date" or "approximate date" are more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual date" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a particular point in time. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, designating a verifiable point of occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actual date" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for specifying the precise date something occurred or will occur. Ludwig highlights its correctness and broad usage across diverse sources like news, science, and encyclopedias. It is most useful when emphasizing accuracy or correcting potential confusion. Related phrases such as "precise date" and "exact date" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Using "actual date" effectively involves ensuring it truly represents a confirmed date and avoiding its use when an estimate is more fitting. It is advisable to use the "actual date" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise date

Emphasizes accuracy and lack of ambiguity in the date.

exact date

Highlights the pinpoint accuracy of the date.

specific date

Focuses on a particular date as opposed to a range or approximation.

confirmed date

Implies that the date has been verified or officially recognized.

true date

Indicates the genuine or correct date, possibly in contrast to a false one.

real date

Similar to "true date", emphasizing authenticity.

factual date

Stresses that the date is based on verifiable facts.

authentic date

Highlights the date's genuineness and reliability.

correct date

Indicates the date is free from error.

established date

Suggests the date is well-documented or widely recognized.

FAQs

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

Use "actual date" to specify the precise date an event occurred or is scheduled to occur, especially when clarifying or correcting misinformation. For example, "The announced release date was delayed; the "actual date" is now next month".

What's the difference between "actual date" and "scheduled date"?

"Actual date" refers to when something really happened or will happen, while "scheduled date" is the planned or expected date, which might change. The "actual date" may differ from the "scheduled date" due to unforeseen circumstances.

What can I say instead of "actual date"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "precise date", "exact date", or "specific date" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to express.

Is it redundant to say "the actual date and time"?

While not strictly redundant, specifying "actual date and time" adds emphasis when the time is also important to differentiate. It clarifies that both the date and the time are confirmed or accurate.