by a defined date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a defined date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying a deadline or a specific point in time by which something must be completed or achieved. Example: "Please submit your report by a defined date to ensure timely processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But as months pass and Mr. Khadr, now 25, remains at Guantánamo, his fellow inmates are growing distrustful that the main inducement prosecutors can offer them — the prospect of leaving by a defined date — is meaningful, defense lawyers say.

The New York Times

In particular it calls for: The Department of Health and NHS Commissioning Board "to set a clear, ambitious and measurable goal that is linked to patients', users' and carers' experience of integrated care and that must be delivered by a defined date".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The cohort we analyzed was defined as all patients registered by the DRT with defined date of diabetes diagnosis.

BMC Public Health

Blair is thought to be pushing for "benchmarked" talks, by which identified key issues would need to be agreed by defined dates.

The Guardian

While for temperate regions SWAT uses dormancy to terminate growing seasons of trees and perennials, seasonality in the tropics (wet and dry season) can only be represented by defining date or heat unit specific "plant" and "kill" operations which are fixed for every year of simulation.

Ecological Modelling

First, prevalence of symptoms was calculated by mailing round (defined by date of questionnaire completion).

Plosone

As for taxes, Kinnell says lifecycle funds defined by a retirement date, such as the Fidelity Freedom fund, will adjust your investment mix automatically and therefore any capital gains distributions or income from the reshuffling will be passed to the investor.

Forbes

In utero exposure to diabetes was defined by a confirmed date of diabetes diagnosis in the mother that preceded the child's birth date or an OGTT during pregnancy with a 2-h value of ≥11 mmol/l.

Diabetes Care

The OS defined by date of diagnosis to date of death was 42.9 months (95% CI = 0-94.9). 0-94.9 0-94.9

BMC Cancer

It may feel as if spring has just sprung in New York City, but on the Hollywood calendar, today is the first day of summer -- a date defined by the first sighting of a big-budget blockbuster.

The New York Times

Sainsbury's says the food labelling regulations have not been breached: "The use-by dates on the packs are not use-by dates as defined in the regulations".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by a defined date", ensure the context clearly indicates who is defining the date and how it is being defined. This avoids ambiguity and ensures everyone understands the timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "by a defined date" if the definition of the date is unclear to the audience. Always clarify the defining criteria or provide specific details to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a defined date" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, specifying when an action or event should be completed. It emphasizes that the deadline is not arbitrary but determined by specific criteria. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by a defined date" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to specify a deadline determined by particular criteria. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its relative infrequency suggests that more common alternatives might often be preferred. When using "by a defined date", clarity is key; ensure that the method for defining the date is clear to avoid ambiguity. The phrase appears mostly in Science and News & Media contexts. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "by a defined date" to communicate precise deadlines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a specific deadline

Replaces "date" with "deadline", emphasizing the urgency and finality.

by a fixed date

Uses "fixed" instead of "defined", suggesting a date that is unchangeable.

by a predetermined date

Replaces "defined" with "predetermined", implying that the date was set in advance.

by a scheduled date

Uses "scheduled", suggesting the date is part of a plan or itinerary.

by an appointed date

Replaces "defined" with "appointed", which can imply a more formal or official setting.

by a designated date

Uses "designated" to show a specific date has been chosen for a particular purpose.

by a set date

A shorter, more concise alternative using "set" instead of "defined".

by the stipulated date

More formal replacement for "defined", suitable for contracts or official documents.

by the agreed-upon date

Highlights the collaborative aspect of setting the date.

by the established date

Suggests the date has been formally recognized or decided.

FAQs

How can I use "by a defined date" in a sentence?

Use "by a defined date" to specify a deadline or a target completion time. For example, "All applications must be submitted by a defined date, which is July 31st." Ensure the context clearly indicates the method or criteria used to define the date.

What are some alternatives to "by a defined date"?

You can use alternatives like "by a specific deadline", "by a fixed date", or "by a predetermined date", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "by a defined date" or "by a specific date"?

"By a defined date" and "by a specific date" are both grammatically correct, but "defined" implies that the date is determined by a particular set of criteria. If the criteria are not important or already understood, "specific" may be more appropriate.

What does "defined" mean in the context of "by a defined date"?

In this context, "defined" means that the date is determined or established according to a specific set of criteria, rules, or agreements. This implies a clear and unambiguous method for setting the deadline.