by a set date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by a set date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying a deadline or a specific time frame by which something must be completed or achieved. Example: "Please ensure that all reports are submitted by a set date to avoid any delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Options contracts are the right to buy or sell assets by a set date at a certain price.

The New York Times

In the futures market, an investor is obligated to buy or sell a certain commodity by a set date.

The New York Times

Assuming a near-certain Tory win, straight after Osborne's emergency June budget, local managers will be told to cut a set sum by a set date – fast.

The Guardian - Opinion

Setting those specific accountability goals, such as completing a small task by a set date, is the most helpful action I can take.

Harvard University

He also bought a large number of single-stock futures contracts; a person buying such a contract has to purchase 100 shares by a set date.

The New York Times

Instead, investors are promised a certain level of capital growth by a set date in the future, the date that the investment trust is wound up and the assets dealt out.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

If you want to learn more about using stock options--not just puts, but also "call" options, which give you the right to buy a stock at a set price by a set date--the Options Industry Council, a coalition of the four exchanges that trade options, is hosting free seminars nationwide.

Los Angeles Times

MIT requires that the completed thesis be delivered to the Department office by a date set by the Registrar for all Departments.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Schools nationwide recommenced on the set date by the government.

Huffington Post

Work toward beating each month's savings by a set percentage and by your end date, you might be surprised at how much you have to help pay for the season's expenses.

Forbes

Both the oldco and newco, citing legal advice, refused to attend a preliminary hearing held in September, but the commission decided to proceed by setting a date for a formal, three-day hearing in November.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by a set date", ensure the context clearly defines what needs to be completed or achieved by that date. State the date explicitly to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "by a set date" without clearly specifying the deliverable or the action that needs to be completed. A vague statement can lead to confusion and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by a set date" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the timeframe or deadline within which an action must be completed. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its role in setting temporal limits.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by a set date" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as an adverbial phrase to specify a deadline. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and provides various examples. While not extremely common, the phrase is suitable for neutral to professional contexts. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business publications. To ensure clarity, always explicitly state the date and the task associated with the deadline. Consider using synonyms like "by a specific date" or "by the deadline" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by a specific date

Replaces "set" with "specific", emphasizing the defined nature of the date.

by a fixed date

Substitutes "set" with "fixed", highlighting the unchangeable nature of the deadline.

by a designated date

Uses "designated" instead of "set", suggesting the date was officially chosen.

by the deadline

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise term, focusing on the concept of a deadline.

before the due date

Shifts the focus to the 'due date', implying a point before which something must be done.

no later than

Expresses the deadline as a latest possible time, rather than a defined point.

by the appointed time

Emphasizes that the date has been officially agreed or assigned.

by the established date

Implies the date was formally established through some process.

on or before

Provides some flexibility allowing task to be completed the deadline or before.

within the stipulated timeframe

Replaces "by a set date" with a more formal expression referring to an agreed period.

FAQs

What does "by a set date" mean?

The phrase "by a set date" indicates that something needs to be completed or achieved on or before a particular date. It establishes a deadline for an action or delivery.

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

You can use "by a set date" to specify when a task, project, or payment needs to be completed. For example, "All applications must be submitted "by a set date"."

What can I say instead of "by a set date"?

You can use alternatives like "by a specific date", "by the deadline", or "no later than" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are acceptable and largely interchangeable. "By a specific date" might slightly emphasize the precision of the date, while ""by a set date"" implies the date was predetermined.