an ideal date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ideal date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a perfect or desirable romantic outing or meeting. Example: "For me, an ideal date would involve a cozy dinner followed by a walk under the stars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Poor old Ken, by contrast, is not permitted to be much more than an ideal date.

The New York Times

In the EU's corridors October 2009 is now quietly being touted as an ideal date for a second Irish referendum.

The Economist

In terms of the nondominant adjectives, the big winners were easygoing (68percentt sought this trait for an ideal date; 64 percent sought this trait for an ideal romantic partner) and sensitive (76 percent sought this trait for an ideal date and ideal romantic partner).

University of California, Berkeley

For the rest of the dominant adjectives, the two big winners were confident (72percentt sought this trait for an ideal date; 74 percent sought this trait for an ideal romantic partner) and assertive (48percentt sought this trait for an ideal date; 36 percent sought this trait for an ideal romantic partner).

University of California, Berkeley

In this leadership vacuum, when Iraqis discuss what they are looking for in their leader, they sound very much like a teenager describing an ideal date for the prom.

The New York Times

They found that only one woman out of the 50 undergraduates in their sample actually identified "dominant" as one of the traits she sought in either an ideal date or a romantic partner.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Choose an ideal dating venue.

WikiHow

Established an " ideal delivery date" and a "last delivery date".

WikiHow

In the future, A.D.M. says it could help farmers choose their seeds, chemicals and fertilizers; line up the contracts and the financing; and even supply information about the weather, how best to plant a crop and the ideal date for harvest.

The New York Times

There is an area for members to describe their pet's "ideal date," and a "pet heaven" section enables members to tell prospective dates about their deceased Spots and Fidos.

The New York Times

August may not be the ideal date for a four-quadrant action blockbuster, but it's proved to be just fine for a 15-rated comedy, as the £45m gross for the original The Inbetweeners Movie amply demonstrates.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's preferences, use "an ideal date" to clearly convey the qualities or activities that would make a date most enjoyable for them.

Common error

Avoid using "an ideal date" when referring to something that is merely satisfactory or average; reserve the phrase for situations that genuinely represent a high standard or desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ideal date" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI identifies it as a grammatically correct expression used to describe a particularly desirable or perfect romantic encounter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ideal date" is a common noun phrase used to describe a perfectly desirable romantic encounter. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, primarily news and media, wiki, and academic settings. When using this phrase, be specific about the qualities or activities that make the date ideal and avoid over-generalizing its use to merely satisfactory situations. Consider alternatives like "a perfect date" or "a dream date" to add nuance to your descriptions. The term is generally neutral in register but can lean towards informal, making it widely accessible. It appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Huffington Post, solidifying its place in common parlance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perfect date

Focuses on flawlessness and complete suitability, emphasizing a lack of any shortcomings.

a dream date

Implies a date that is highly desirable and perhaps somewhat unrealistic or fantastical.

an optimal date

Highlights the most favorable or advantageous option, often in a more formal context.

a quintessential date

Refers to a date that perfectly represents or embodies a particular type or style.

an exemplary date

Suggests a date that serves as a model or standard of excellence.

a fantastic date

Emphasizes the enjoyable and exciting nature of the date.

a wonderful date

Highlights the positive and delightful aspects of the date.

a superb date

Implies that the date is of the highest quality and exceptionally enjoyable.

a match made in heaven

Uses a metaphorical expression for a pair that is extremely compatible.

an idyllic encounter

Uses a more formal and literary term to describe a charming and peaceful meeting.

FAQs

How can I use "an ideal date" in a sentence?

You can use "an ideal date" to describe a perfect or highly desirable romantic outing. For example, "For her, "an ideal date" involves a quiet dinner and a long walk on the beach".

What are some alternatives to "an ideal date"?

Alternatives include "a perfect date", "a dream date", or "an optimal date", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an ideal date" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for informal and neutral contexts, using a more formal alternative like "an optimal time" might be preferable in highly professional settings when not specifically referring to a romantic encounter.

How does "an ideal date" differ from "a good date"?

"An ideal date" implies a higher level of perfection or desirability, whereas "a good date" simply suggests that the experience was positive or satisfactory.