date by which

USAGE SUMMARY

"date by which" is a correct phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a time frame, deadline, or cutoff point. For example, you can say, "The date by which all applications must be submitted is June 15th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This indicates the date by which the stones had fallen".

The Guardian

Neither manufacturer can provide a date by which its phones will be available.

The New York Times - Tech

It has given no specific date by which it promises to act, Mr. Bloch said.

The New York Times

Let's set a date by which no new car is manufactured unless it's electric.

The Guardian - Opinion

This time they didn't even bother giving a new date by which to expect the decision.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no date by which the final rule must be written and issued.

The Guardian - Money

There's now a date by which all these buildings need to install these drinking water taps.

The Guardian

Now it cannot give a date by which the report will be completed.

The Guardian

The date by which each task needs to be completed is listed in the appropriate square.

Harvard Business Review

In TRADES, January 1 , 1997 becomes the date by which such actions must be completed.

Cornell University

(6) The date by which the hearing officer is directed to issue an initial decision.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting deadlines, always specify the time zone to avoid confusion, especially in international contexts. For example, "The deadline is July 15th, 5:00 PM EST, the "date by which" all submissions should be received."

Common error

Avoid ambiguous language when specifying the "date by which" something must be completed. Be precise by including the year, month, day, and if necessary, the time. Ambiguity can lead to missed deadlines and misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "date by which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, specifying a particular point in time serving as a deadline or a target. This is supported by Ludwig and its provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "date by which" is a prepositional phrase used to specify a deadline or target date. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. While straightforward, clarity and precision are crucial when using this phrase, particularly regarding time zones and specific times. Alternatives like "deadline for" and "due date" offer more concise options. Remember that ensuring the message is well understood will minimize potential misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deadline for

Focuses specifically on the 'deadline' aspect, omitting the explicit process leading up to it.

due date

More concise and commonly used when referring to deadlines, especially for assignments or payments.

latest date

Emphasizes the finality of the date, indicating that anything later is unacceptable.

cut-off date

Highlights a sharp, definitive end to a period of eligibility or acceptance.

time limit

Broadly refers to a period within which something must be completed, rather than a specific date.

final submission date

Specifically used in academic or professional environments for submitting documents or deliverables.

target completion date

Implies an estimated or desired date for finishing a task or project.

end date

A simple and direct way to denote the termination of a process or agreement.

expiration date

Typically used for items that have a limited shelf life or validity period.

timeframe for

Indicates a duration or period within which something is expected to occur.

FAQs

How do I use "date by which" in a sentence?

Use "date by which" to specify a deadline or cutoff point. For example, "Please submit your application by June 30, the "date by which" all materials must be received."

What's a more concise alternative to "date by which"?

Alternatives include "deadline for" or "due date", which are shorter and often used in similar contexts.

Is it necessary to always include a specific time when using "date by which"?

While not always necessary, including a specific time with the "date by which" can prevent confusion, especially when dealing with submissions or tasks that can be completed online. For example, "The "cut-off date" is December 31 at 11:59 PM."

What should I consider when communicating the "date by which" something needs to be done?

Ensure the "latest date" is clearly communicated and easily accessible. Provide reminders and confirmations to help people meet the deadline.