clear date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear date" is not typically used in written English outside of certain technical contexts, such as legal documents.
If you are writing a letter or essay, for example, it is best to avoid this phrase. If you are writing something like a contract, you may use "clear date" to indicate a set day on which a transaction must be finished. For example, "This contract is binding and must be completed by July 15th, 2021 or it is null and void. This is the clear date by which both parties must adhere."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"If there is a clear date for his end, some of the opposition forces at least will be prepared to engage with a ceasefire ahead of his departure".

The Guardian

There is no clear date for starting tram services, and no clear plan for raising the extra £100m many believe is needed to finish the route to Newhaven.

The Guardian

They were concerned, sources said, about any backstop proposal that risks the UK staying in the customs union without a clear date for exiting it.

The Guardian

Mr. Bush supports lifting the ban, but legislation to do so sits today in a committee of the Republican-controlled House of Represenoatives, with no clear date for further action in sight.

The New York Times

"The UK has become the first major economy to set a clear date to phase out coal, and I am hopeful that others will follow suit as we repower the global economy with the clean energy we need for a sustainable future".

The Guardian

But the issue of Kosovo's final status -- independence or some sort of continuing relationship with a democratic Belgrade -- looms unanswered, keeping the people here on edge and providing no clear date or set of circumstances under which Western troops can depart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

6. Set deadlines Give clear dates by which they need to commit.

Independent

"[This policy] introduces a discard ban with clear dates to put an end to wasteful practices that we can no longer afford.

The Guardian

The new edition also offers clear dating (Moore's own arrangement was thematic rather than chronological), so that the winding, ever-surprising progress of her career is belatedly uncovered.

The New York Times - Books

"Yet there must always be excavation to look under the surface and to extract clear dates from the ruins".

TechCrunch

Historical records provided clear dates of manufacture for the museum specimens, and the new technique proved accurate enough to nail down their ages within a 50- to 100-year window, the team reports in the current issue of Analytical Chemistry.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, always provide a "clear date" for milestones to maintain accountability and track progress effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "clear date" in informal contexts where a more casual term like "specific day" would be more appropriate. In everyday conversation, precise phrasing can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear date" functions as a noun phrase, where "clear" modifies the noun "date". It specifies a particular point in time that is unambiguous and well-defined. Ludwig identifies its common usage in varied source types.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear date" is used to denote a specific and unambiguous point in time, often in formal or professional settings. As evidenced by Ludwig, its occurrence is common across news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While grammatically acceptable, it's essential to use it appropriately, avoiding overly casual situations where a more relaxed term would suffice. When precision matters, such as in contracts or project plans, "clear date" helps ensure everyone is on the same page.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specific date

Emphasizes the precision and exactness of the date.

Definite date

Highlights the certainty and lack of ambiguity in the date.

Fixed date

Suggests the date is established and unlikely to change.

Set date

Indicates the date has been officially determined.

Agreed-upon date

Highlights that all parties have consented to the date.

Designated date

Implies the date was chosen for a specific purpose.

Scheduled date

Focuses on the planning and organization of the date.

Target date

Highlights the date as a goal to be achieved.

Established date

Indicates the date is formally recognized or recorded.

Official date

Suggests the date has been formally announced or documented.

FAQs

How can I use "clear date" in a sentence?

You can use "clear date" to specify a deadline or a planned event, such as: "The project has a "clear date" for completion: December 31st."

What's a good alternative to "clear date"?

Alternatives include "specific date", "definite date", or "fixed date", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "clear date" or "exact date"?

While both are similar, "exact date" emphasizes precision, while "clear date" suggests unambiguous understanding. The best choice depends on context, but "exact date" might be slightly more common.

When should I use "clear date" instead of "estimated date"?

"Clear date" implies certainty and a firm commitment, whereas "estimated date" suggests it's a projection that could change. Use "clear date" when the date is confirmed.