date in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "date in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific date that is being discussed or considered in a particular context. Example: "The report was submitted on the date in question, which was March 15th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The court date in question was based on the Italian divorce, lawyers for both sides said.

The New York Times

Rather, he refers to other dates that he knows solidly, close to the date in question.

The New York Times

The logjam was unusual for a Friday, but the date in question is this Friday — 08/08/08.

The New York Times

During the trial, BP claimed no toxic substance was released at the refinery on the date in question.

The New York Times

Only a handful of such unmarked cars would have been in use on the date in question, the police said.

The New York Times

The date in question is when a 5,125-year 5,125-yearhe Mayan cycledar supposedly comes to a close.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Any mention of these terms before the dates in question might be the work of time travellers.

The Economist

Johnson said: "At no point have we ever discussed an EDL demonstration on the dates in question and I have no knowledge of his alleged plans".

The Guardian

But he added: "At no point have we ever discussed an EDL demonstration on the dates in question and I have no knowledge of his alleged plans".

The Guardian

Friends of mine who had worked in the former Yugoslavia during the Croatian and Bosnian wars had similar experiences in Zagreb and Sarajevo, though the dates in question were different.

The Guardian

An executive from Gentiva where Cindy worked testified her password protected work computer showed she was actually logged in there on the dates in question.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "date in question", ensure the context clearly establishes which date you're referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough surrounding information.

Common error

Avoid using "date in question" without clearly establishing the specific date being discussed. If the context doesn't make it obvious, rephrase to be more explicit, for example, "the date of the incident" or "the date mentioned earlier".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "date in question" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific date already referenced or under consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to pinpoint a particular point in time within a given context. This usage is evident in various examples across different sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "date in question" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a specific date that has already been mentioned or is currently under discussion. As verified by Ludwig, it serves to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity in various contexts. While it's versatile enough for both formal and informal settings, ensuring the context clearly identifies the specific date is crucial for effective communication. Alternatives like "relevant date" or "specified date" can offer a more precise or formal tone when needed. In short, "date in question" is a handy tool for specifying time, just be sure your audience knows which date you mean.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevant date

Focuses on the importance and connection to the current topic.

date under consideration

Highlights the act of thinking about or discussing the date.

pertinent date

Emphasizes the direct relevance and applicability of the date.

specified date

Highlights that the date was previously mentioned or determined.

aforementioned date

Formally refers to a date previously mentioned in the text.

date in discussion

Highlights that the date is currently being talked about.

date at issue

Emphasizes that the date is a key point of disagreement or debate.

date referenced

Highlights that the date was referred to, linked to, or taken as citation.

particular date

Emphasizes the distinct and specific nature of the date.

date in focus

Highlights that the date is being carefully examined or scrutinized.

FAQs

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

You can use "date in question" to refer to a specific date that has already been mentioned or is the focus of discussion. For example, "The meeting was scheduled for the "date in question", but it was later postponed."

What's a more formal alternative to "date in question"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "relevant date" or "aforementioned date". These options provide a more polished and professional feel.

Is "date in question" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "date in question" is generally acceptable in academic writing, particularly when the context makes the reference clear. However, for utmost clarity, you might prefer alternatives such as "specified date" or a direct restatement of the date itself.

What's the difference between "date in question" and "date at issue"?

"Date in question" refers to a specific date being discussed, while "date at issue" implies the date is a point of contention or disagreement. The choice depends on whether the date is simply being referenced or is a matter of debate.