approximate date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximate date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a date that is not exact but is close enough for practical purposes. Example: "The approximate date for the project completion is set for the end of next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

COL.AMEN: Do you recall the approximate date of that meeting?

Yale University

(c) The approximate date of origin of each incapacitating defect.

Cornell University

Briefly describe one or two memorable photos-their subject, composition, approximate date and any significant details".

The New York Times

But neither General Petraeus nor administration officials have indicated an approximate date for that to happen.

The New York Times

A caption with a picture of the Ellisons misstated its approximate date.

The New York Times

"What is the approximate date of beginning of next Charlie Chan story?" they inquire of the boss.

The New Yorker

The testing could provide an approximate date for the ink used on the fragment.

The New York Times

Just to make sure I got the point, it wasn't the approximate date.

The New York Times - Books

This established an approximate date for the genetic origin of modern humans, in Africa.

The New York Times - Science

COL.AMEN: Do you recall the approximate date when this order was given by Keitel to Canaris?

Yale University

Column 2 states the source reference and the (exact or approximate) date of the recorded event.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing an "approximate date", clarify the level of uncertainty. For example, specify whether the date is within a day, week, month, or year.

Common error

Avoid using phrases that imply certainty (e.g., "exactly" or "precisely") when referring to an "approximate date". Make sure the context reflects the inherent uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximate date" functions as a noun phrase, where "approximate" modifies the noun "date". It describes a date that is not precise but is close to the actual or expected time. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and frequent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "approximate date" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a date that is not exact but is close enough for practical purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. When using "approximate date", it's useful to provide context about the level of imprecision. Alternatives include "estimated date" and "rough date". Avoid implying certainty when using this phrase to maintain accuracy and transparency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estimated date

Replaces "approximate" with "estimated", suggesting a calculated guess.

rough date

Uses "rough" to indicate a less precise estimation of the date.

tentative date

Emphasizes the possibility of the date being subject to change.

projected date

Implies a forecast or prediction of when something will occur.

anticipated date

Suggests an expectation or anticipation regarding when something will happen.

close date

Indicates a date that is near or within a short range of the actual date.

circa

A Latin term used before a date, meaning "around" or "approximately".

around

A preposition describing a date that is not precise.

proximate date

A more formal synonym for "approximate".

general timeframe

Broadens the concept to a range of time instead of a single point.

FAQs

How do I use "approximate date" in a sentence?

Use "approximate date" when you want to indicate that a date is not exact but is close enough for the purpose at hand. For example, "The "approximate date" of the event is mid-October."

What can I say instead of "approximate date"?

You can use alternatives like "estimated date", "rough date", or "tentative date" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to specify the margin of error when using the phrase "approximate date"?

While not always required, providing a margin of error (e.g., "within a week" or "around the end of the month") can enhance clarity and avoid misunderstandings about the level of precision.

When is it appropriate to use "approximate date" instead of a specific date?

Use "approximate date" when the exact date is unknown, unimportant, or when providing a precise date would be misleading due to uncertainty. For example, when discussing historical events where records are incomplete.