an antecedent date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an antecedent date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a date that precedes another date or event. Example: "The contract stipulates that any claims must be filed within six months of an antecedent date."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider the controversy at Harvard College over the Program in General Education, whose antecedents date to 1946.

The New York Times

It is certainly an antecedent for a similar helmet dating to the 16th to 18th centuries, which was discovered in a dilapidated fort during a 1903 British invasion.

The New York Times - Arts

His account, and others like it, show that today's Taliban is a homegrown phenomenon, with roots in these 1980s taliban fronts and antecedents dating back centuries.

Vice

The folk idea that skill at action is not a manifestation of intellectual knowledge is also entrenched in contemporary philosophy, though it has antecedents dating back to the ancients.

The New York Times

The economist John Maynard Keynes floated the idea in the 1930s and it has antecedents dating at least as far back as the introduction of Britain's stamp duty in the late 17th century.

The New York Times

This futuristic blend of religion and science, of millenarian purpose with reproductive practice, has numerous antecedents, dating from the 19th century and continuing up to modern groups like the Branch Davidians.

The New York Times

Geologically the gorge is known as an antecedent stream canyon.

The New York Times - Travel

She referred to her husband as "he" without an antecedent.

The New Yorker

Cosmetic surgery as an antecedent of life change.

Harvard University

The lack of an antecedent preceding "his" is momentarily perplexing.

The New York Times

For current jazz composers, virtually every harmonic strategy has an antecedent.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an antecedent date", clarify its relationship to the subsequent date or event to avoid ambiguity. Ensure the context makes it clear which date comes first.

Common error

Avoid using "an antecedent date" without providing clear context about the subsequent event or date. This can lead to confusion about which date is being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an antecedent date" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a date that precedes another. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable. However, its relative infrequency suggests that simpler alternatives might be preferred in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an antecedent date" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote a date preceding another, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. However, its frequency is low, suggesting it's not a commonly used expression. The phrase carries a formal tone, fitting for scientific or technical contexts. Consider simpler alternatives like "a prior date" or "an earlier date" for broader applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the temporal relationship to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A prior date

Replaces "antecedent" with "prior", emphasizing sequence in time.

A preceding date

Uses "preceding" to highlight the order of dates.

An earlier date

Emphasizes that the date occurred before another.

The previous date

Specifies a date that directly precedes another.

A former date

Highlights that the date is in the past relative to another.

The date beforehand

Indicates a date that happened before a specific event or time.

The date in advance

Highlights the temporal priority of the date.

A preliminary date

Indicates the date is a precursor to something else.

The initial date

Highlights the date is the first in a sequence.

A retroactive date

Suggests a date established with backward effect.

FAQs

What does "an antecedent date" mean?

The phrase "an antecedent date" refers to a date that comes before another date or event in time. It's used to specify a point in time that precedes a subsequent occurrence.

What can I say instead of "an antecedent date"?

You can use alternatives like "a prior date", "a preceding date", or "an earlier date" depending on the context.

How to use "an antecedent date" in a sentence?

For example: "The contract stipulates that any claims must be filed within six months of "an antecedent date"."

Is "an antecedent date" formal or informal?

The phrase "an antecedent date" is generally considered formal due to the use of the word "antecedent". Simpler alternatives like "a prior date" might be more appropriate for informal contexts.