Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
closest to date
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "closest to date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is the most recent or nearest in time to a specific date or event. Example: "The report we received was the closest to date, reflecting the latest developments in the project."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Wiki
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
The earliest available (i.e. closest to date of dialysis initiation), technically adequate chest X-ray was chosen for review.
Science
When more than one diagnosis was recorded for an individual, the one given closest to date of discharge was used.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The retrofit will be the nation's largest property assessed clean energy (PACE) project closed to date, according to the project partners.
News & Media
So far, the model is working extremely well, with cumulatively over $2 billion in real estate transactions closed to date on the platform.
News & Media
Prescriptions filled close to date of death or emigration increase adherence.
Science
More-recent work on radiocarbon dates from Egypt does, however, yield results encouragingly close to dates computed in the manner described above.
Encyclopedias
In choreographic terms, Petit's 1946 encounter between a man and a fatally beautiful siren veers close to dated and mannerism.
News & Media
The baseline variables were derived from the EHR on the date closest to the date of the first sulfonylurea prescription up to 21 days after baseline.
Science
The laboratory data and medication histories were collected from the date closest to the date of serum 25(OH D measurement.
Science
By law, she said, the proxy dated closest to the date of the election is the only one that counts.
News & Media
Values closest to the date the echocardiogram was performed were used for cases of LVH and values closest to genotyping date were used for controls.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "closest to date", ensure the context clearly defines the reference point. For example, "the measurement closest to the date of diagnosis" provides better clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "closest to date" without specifying what is being measured or compared. Ambiguity can arise if the reader isn't clear about the subject being closest in time to the date.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "closest to date" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify nouns by specifying the temporal proximity of an event or measurement to a particular date. Ludwig examples show it determining the selection criteria, such as choosing specific data entries.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
30%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Encyclopedias
3%
Formal & Business
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "closest to date" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that specifies temporal proximity to a specific date. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable and clear in meaning. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it’s suitable across various contexts, especially those requiring precision like science, news, and academic writing. When using "closest to date", ensure the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity and to maximize its effectiveness in conveying accurate temporal relationships.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
nearest to the date
Replaces "closest" with "nearest", emphasizing physical or temporal proximity.
most recent to the date
Uses "most recent" instead of "closest", highlighting the recency aspect.
latest up to the date
Substitutes "closest" with "latest", focusing on the most current information until that point.
immediately prior to the date
Emphasizes temporal precedence using "immediately prior".
proximately timed to the date
Replaces "closest" with "proximately timed", introducing a more formal tone.
temporally adjacent to the date
Uses "temporally adjacent" for a more technical or academic feel.
in temporal proximity to the date
Phrase uses a nominalization to express proximity in time.
about the same time as the date
Refers to the date by using the adjective "same time".
in the vicinity of the date
Uses the term "vicinity" for a more ambiguous sense of nearness in time.
around the date
Implies approximation and estimation of the time frame relative to the date.
FAQs
How can I use "closest to date" in a sentence?
Use "closest to date" to specify the nearest point in time to a particular date. For example, "We selected the sample that was collected "closest to date" of the incident".
What phrases are similar to "closest to date"?
Alternatives include "most recent to the date", "nearest to the date", or "latest up to the date". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is there a more formal way to say "closest to date"?
Yes, a more formal option is "temporally adjacent to the date". This is often suitable for academic or technical writing.
When is it best to avoid using "closest to date"?
Avoid using "closest to date" in informal contexts where simpler language is preferred. Alternatives like "around the date" might be more appropriate.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested