dated from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dated from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate when a period of time started, i.e. when something began. For example, "The dispute dated from October 2017 and had yet to be resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It dated from Trenton's heyday.

The New York Times

The oldest dated from 1204.

The Guardian

The letters dated from 1944.

The Guardian - Books

Critics should expunge "dated" from their vocabulary.

The New York Times

The musicians' contest there dated from very early times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A lifelong interest in Hume dated from this period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tartans are better dated from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The general design features of the last 28/32A engine dated from 1990.

Pounder's Marine Diesel Engines and Gas Turbines

Initial office visits dated from November 18 , 1983 through June 6 , 1998

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Identified publications dated from 1961 to 2012.

BMC Psychiatry

bThe valid NHG standard for hypnotics dated from 1992 and was quite obsolete.

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dated from", ensure that the context clearly specifies the subject and the starting point of the time period. For example, "The tradition dated from the 18th century" is more precise than "The tradition dated from then."

Common error

Avoid using "dated from" in the present tense when referring to something that began in the past. Instead of saying "The building dates from 1920", use "The building dated from 1920" or "dates to 1920".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dated from" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the time of origin or commencement. Examples on Ludwig show it frequently connects a subject with a specific period, as in "The artifact dated from the Roman era."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dated from" is a versatile and common way to indicate the origin or commencement of something in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news publications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using "dated from", ensure the context clearly identifies the subject and its starting point. While alternatives like "originated in" or "began in" exist, "dated from" remains a precise and effective choice for temporal referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began in

Simple alternative emphasizing the start time, suitable for general contexts.

started in

Similar to 'began in' but might imply a more active commencement or initiation.

commenced in

A more formal way of saying 'started in', often used in official or academic contexts.

originated in

Focuses more on the place or entity where something began, shifting the emphasis from time to origin.

emerged in

Suggests a gradual appearance or development from a certain time.

has its origins in

Highlights the historical beginning and development from a specific source.

arose in

Implies a spontaneous or less planned beginning from a specific period.

stems from

Highlights the cause or root from which something originates.

traces back to

Emphasizes the historical connection and origin point of something.

is rooted in

Indicates a deep connection and origin from a particular time or event.

FAQs

How can I use "dated from" in a sentence?

Use "dated from" to indicate the period when something originated or began. For example, "The artifact dated from the Roman era." You can use alternatives like "originated in" or "began in" for variety.

What's the difference between "dated from" and "dates to"?

"Dated from" specifies the start of a period, while "dates to" connects the subject to a specific time. For instance, "The manuscript dated from the 15th century" indicates when it was created, whereas "The manuscript dates to 1420" points to a precise year. They are very similar and can usually be interchanged.

Which is correct, "dated from" or "dating from"?

Both "dated from" and "dating from" are correct, but they function differently. "Dated from" is typically used in past tense constructions, while "dating from" can function as an adjective phrase. For example, "The coins dated from the 3rd century BCE" versus "Coins dating from the 3rd century BCE are rare."

What are some alternatives to "dated from" that I can use to avoid repetition?

You can use alternatives like "originated in", "began in", or "emerged in" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each suggests a slightly different aspect of origin or commencement.