an exact date

USAGE SUMMARY

"an exact date" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a specific day, month, and year for a particular event or occurrence. For example, "I don't know when the project is due, but I will need an exact date soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But "I cannot give you an exact date.

The Guardian

Try and get a commitment to an exact date.

The Guardian - Money

(The State Department refuses to give an exact date).

The New Yorker

We don't have an exact date," he says.

The Guardian

I think I can see that on the horizon, but I can't promise an exact date".

The New York Times

"I cannot give you an exact date," said Cheryl Campbell, senior vice president of CGI federal.

The Guardian

"So I always try to use an exact date for each contingency".

The New York Times

Architects are still unwilling to put an exact date on when the building may be finished.

The Guardian

If I had an exact date, I could set one up".

The Guardian - Film

Later, much later if necessary, it would settle on an exact date for the turning point.

The New Yorker

At the time, Dutch officials did not have the resources to establish an exact date.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting or providing a date, ensure clarity by specifying the year, month, and day to avoid misunderstandings. For example, instead of saying "Meet me on the 12th", say "Meet me on December 12th, 2025".

Common error

Failing to include the year when referring to a future date can cause confusion, especially when discussing long-term projects or events spanning multiple years. Always specify the year to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an exact date" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is commonly used to denote a specific point in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an exact date" is a frequently used noun phrase employed to specify a precise point in time. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly appears in news, business, and encyclopedia sources. To ensure clarity, it's advisable to specify the year, month, and day. Alternatives include "a specific date" or "a precise date", and using "an exact date" helps eliminate ambiguity in communication. The high frequency and broad applicability of the phrase underscores its importance in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific date

Replaces "exact" with "specific", emphasizing clarity rather than precision.

a precise date

Substitutes "exact" with "precise", highlighting accuracy and detail.

a definite date

Uses "definite" instead of "exact", stressing the certainty of the date.

a fixed date

Replaces "exact" with "fixed", indicating the date is unchangeable.

a particular date

Uses "particular" instead of "exact", focusing on the individuality of the date.

the exact day

Specifies "day" to add emphasis, rather than broadly referring to a date.

the specific day

Highlights a specific day with clarity and precision.

the date in question

Refers to a date already under discussion or investigation.

the appointed date

Indicates a date that has been officially designated or agreed upon.

the deadline

Denotes the final date by which something must be completed.

FAQs

How do you use "an exact date" in a sentence?

You can use "an exact date" when you need to specify a particular day, month, and year. For instance, "I need "an exact date" for the project deadline" or "The meeting is scheduled for "an exact date" in July".

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

Alternatives include "a specific date", "a precise date", or "a definite date". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "exact date" or "precise date"?

Both "exact date" and "precise date" are acceptable, but "exact" implies accuracy to the smallest detail, while "precise" suggests a high level of accuracy but allows for minor variations. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.

Why is specifying "an exact date" important in formal communication?

Specifying "an exact date" is crucial in formal communication to avoid ambiguity and ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of the timeframe for events, deadlines, or commitments.