dates from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dates from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the origin or beginnings of something, usually a period of time. For example, you could say "This law dates from the 1800s."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A market dates from 1226.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its constitution dates from 1890.

Encyclopedia Britannica

White settlement dates from 1805.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It dates from 1769.

The New York Times

The facade, she said, dates from 1802.

The New York Times - Arts

The Flentrop pipe organ dates from 1843.

Independent

Coventry probably dates from Saxon times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The town hall dates from 1764.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The earliest example dates from 1547.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His Paris Mosque dates from the 1920s.

The Economist

It dates from the fifteen-eighties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dates from", ensure the subject is a specific entity (e.g. a building, tradition, or document) rather than an abstract concept. For instance, use "The building dates from the 1700s" instead of "The idea dates from a long time ago."

Common error

Avoid using "dates from" in future tense. "Dates from" implies a past origin, so phrases like "The project will date from next year" are incorrect. Instead, use "The project will begin next year" or "The project's origins will be from next year."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dates from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the time of origin or creation of something. It links a subject (e.g., a building, custom, document) to a specific period or year when it originated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

27%

News & Media

59%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dates from" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to indicate the origin or inception of something at a particular time. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from sources like Encyclopedia Britannica, The New York Times, and Wikipedia, confirms its widespread usage and acceptability. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is a specific entity and avoid using it in future tense. Alternatives like "originates in" and "began in" can provide similar meanings in different contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comes from

A simple and direct way of indicating the source or origin of something.

began in

Emphasizes the commencement of an event or period at a specific time.

emerged in

Indicates the appearance or development of something at a certain time.

arose in

Similar to 'emerged', but can also imply a spontaneous or unexpected beginning.

originates in

Focuses on the place or source of origin, adding a geographical or source-related context.

commenced in

A more formal way of saying 'began', often used in official or historical contexts.

was established in

Focuses on the founding or creation of an institution, organization, or practice.

is traced back to

Highlights the process of discovering the origin through historical analysis or investigation.

is derived from

Highlights the source from which something is obtained or developed.

has its roots in

Suggests a deeper, more fundamental origin, often implying historical or cultural significance.

FAQs

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

Use "dates from" to indicate the period something originated or was created. For instance, "The manuscript "dates from" the 15th century" shows when the manuscript was written.

What can I say instead of "dates from"?

You can use alternatives like "originates in", "began in", or "is traced back to" depending on the context.

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

"Dates from" is generally preferred as it's more concise and commonly used. "Is dating from" is grammatically correct but less frequent. Use "dates from" for historical facts or established origins.

What's the difference between "dates from" and "originates from"?

"Dates from" refers specifically to time, while "originates from" can refer to a place, person, or idea. You might say, "The tradition "dates from" the 18th century" or "The tradition originates from Celtic rituals".