around these dates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around these dates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a time frame that is approximate or not exact, typically in relation to specific dates or events. Example: "We expect to receive the shipment around these dates, so please be prepared for its arrival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While giving gifts around these dates can feel more rote, it is still important to try to convey your affection for the recipient.

The New York Times

However, on several dates in 2003 (Fig. 1) caterpillar food from margin areas was lower in N and P content than food from center areas (also see Table 2), whereas non-food collections around these dates display the typical pattern (Fig. 4).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

One set was based on the best (i.e. mean) estimates of node age; the others were derived from the upper and lower 95% confidence intervals around these dates.

Plosone

"The original premise was around all these dating apps and Tinder and bad dates that everyone has gone on," Nelson Chen, one of Phoney.club's creators, told me.

TechCrunch

Nevertheless, the first aromatase duplication, shared by pigs and peccaries, appears to have happened in the late Eocene (recognizing the error associated with these dates), around 35 Ma.

BMC Biology

These dates cluster around 3050 BP, that is, 950 BCE (Harunari and Imamura 2004).

Rice

was approx. 0.5c around those dates.

BBC

WannaCry, by comparison, has made around $150,000 to date.

TechCrunch

All Around Losing: Dating is terrifying .

Vice

"We are working around the dates of the elections," the IPL tournament director, Dhiraj Malhotra, said.

Independent

But limitations around the dates and resolution of images have been identified.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around these dates", ensure the context provides clear reference to the specific dates being approximated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "around these dates" when more precise dates are known, as it can appear unprofessional or imprecise. If you know the exact date, use it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around these dates" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating a temporal relationship. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to express approximation in time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around these dates" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate an approximate timeframe. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in various contexts, though more formal settings may benefit from more precise language. While examples show usage across a variety of sources, it's crucial to ensure the context provides a clear reference to the dates being approximated to avoid ambiguity. Remember to avoid overuse in situations where precise dates are known to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near these dates

A simpler and more direct way of saying approximately these dates.

close to these dates

Replaces 'around' with 'close to' for a slightly less formal feel.

circa these dates

Replaces 'around' with 'circa', providing a more formal tone for indicating approximation.

somewhere around these dates

Adds emphasis on the uncertainty of the specific date.

roughly around these dates

Adds 'roughly' to further emphasize the approximate nature of the dates.

about this time

Focuses on the general period rather than specific dates.

at approximately this time

Combines 'approximately' with 'this time' for a more formal and precise feel.

in proximity to these dates

Uses 'in proximity to' to indicate nearness in time, adding formality.

in the vicinity of these dates

Uses 'in the vicinity of' to express approximation in a more sophisticated manner.

in the neighborhood of these dates

Uses 'in the neighborhood of' to convey approximation, offering a slightly informal tone.

FAQs

What does "around these dates" mean?

The phrase "around these dates" means approximately or near the specified dates, indicating a timeframe that is not exact but close to the given dates.

What can I say instead of "around these dates"?

You can use alternatives like "near these dates", "close to these dates", or "approximately this time depending on the context.

How precise should I be when using "around these dates"?

The level of precision depends on the context. In formal settings, it's best to provide a specific range. In informal contexts, a general approximation is acceptable.

Is it appropriate to use "around these dates" in academic writing?

While acceptable, consider using more precise language in academic writing, such as specifying a range or using terms like "circa these dates" for a more formal tone.