birth date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "birth date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the specific date on which someone was born. Example: "Please provide your birth date for the registration form."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(His birth date is uncertain).

The New York Times - Arts

Birth date affects corporate success.

The New York Times

What is your birth date?

The New York Times

Even his birth date is in question.

The New York Times

Petr's birth date was two days from my own.

The New York Times - Travel

She also said his birth date was Dec. 5, 1927.

The New York Times

(His birth date, July 4, 1900, was both ironic & apt).

The New Yorker

The administrator asked for my daughter's birth date.

The New York Times

People's reactions to Cecilia's birth date are usually of shock.

The New York Times

His birth date, his height, the color of his eyes.

The New Yorker

But I've always been quite happy with my birth date.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting someone's "birth date", clearly specify the format expected (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY) to avoid ambiguity, especially in international contexts where date formats vary.

Common error

Avoid assuming the date format when asking for a "birth date". Specify whether you need MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY to prevent errors in data collection or interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "birth date" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an attribute or piece of information about a person or entity. It is commonly used in forms, databases, and conversations when specifying when someone was born. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "birth date" is a very common noun phrase used to specify the date on which someone was born. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used. While often interchangeable with "date of birth", the latter is generally preferred in formal contexts. Common errors include misinterpreting or not specifying the expected date format. When asking for or recording a "birth date", clarity and precision are key. The frequency analysis shows that "birth date" appears most often in News & Media and Science. Remember to specify the date format when asking for a "birth date" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Date of birth

Reorders the words but retains the exact meaning.

Day of birth

Similar to date of birth, emphasizes the day.

DOB

An abbreviation for "date of birth".

Birth anniversary

Refers specifically to the yearly recurrence of the birth date.

Natal day

A more formal or poetic term for birth date.

Date of origin

Focuses on the point of commencement of existence.

Time of birth

Can refer to the specific hour and minute as well as the day.

When someone was born

Expresses the concept as a question.

Date of delivery

Specifically used in the context of childbirth.

Year of birth

Focuses on the year only, omitting the month and day.

FAQs

What is another way to say "birth date"?

You can use alternatives like "date of birth" or "DOB", which is a common abbreviation.

Why is it important to accurately record someone's "birth date"?

An accurate "birth date" is essential for identification, legal documentation, and age verification. It ensures accurate record-keeping across various systems.

Is "birth date" the same as "birthday"?

No, "birth date" refers to the specific date on which someone was born (e.g., January 1, 2000), while "birthday" refers to the anniversary of that date each year.

How do I ask for someone's "birth date" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, it's best to use "date of birth". You can phrase your request as "Please provide your date of birth" or "Kindly indicate your date of birth".