dates from when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dates from when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the origin or starting point of something in time. Example: "The tradition dates from when the town was founded in the 18th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It dates from when I began to think.

The New Yorker

Much of the legislation dates from when making copies involved onerous labour with a printing press.

The Guardian - Books

He said, 'I'm Kanye West'" - is a cracker, but it dates from when he was a senator, for goodness' sake.

Independent

British Columbia follows a similar practice.This laxity dates from when Canadian wine makers struggled to get enough local grapes.

The Economist

That convention dates from when monarchs and their generals needed discretion to ward off imminent threats to national security.

The Guardian - Opinion

'The rise of the term over here dates from when Russell took over "Doctor Who" [in 2004] and became identified as the showrunner.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

They also had a fierce personal rivalry, dating from when Mr. Carnahan served as lieutenant governor under Mr. Ashcroft.

The New York Times

According to the Department of Transportation, the current sign is a copy of a sign dating from when the bridge was built.

The New York Times

Guachipelín's two main buildings date from when the ranch was organized in its current form in the 1890's.

The New York Times - Travel

The gateways of the Castello district lead into hulking towers dating from when the Pisans owned the town.

The Guardian - Travel

They groan only a little when I say that all these things date from when Crete was a part of the Ottoman empire.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dates from when", ensure that the context clearly establishes a temporal relationship, specifying both the item being dated and the point in time from which it originates. For example, "The architectural style dates from when the city was rebuilt after the earthquake."

Common error

A common mistake is using "dates from when" without a clear reference point. To prevent misinterpretation, be specific about the event or period serving as the origin. For instance, instead of "The tradition dates from when…", specify "The tradition dates from when the treaty was signed in 1868."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dates from when" functions as a temporal marker, indicating the origin or beginning of something. It introduces a clause specifying the time or event from which something originates, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig. It commonly links a subject to a period or event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dates from when" serves as a temporal marker, used to specify the origin or beginning of something, as summarized from Ludwig's analysis. It's grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific writing. While not extremely frequent, it provides a clear and precise way to establish a temporal relationship. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by providing a specific reference point or event. Although synonyms such as "originates from when" and "stems from when" exist, the slight nuances in meaning make choosing the right fit for each situation important. The Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable and correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

originates from when

Replaces "dates" with "originates", emphasizing the starting point or source.

stems from when

Uses "stems" to indicate a causal origin or derivation from a specific time.

traces back to when

Emphasizes a historical connection or lineage leading back to a particular time.

is rooted in when

Highlights the deep or fundamental connection to a specific period.

began in when

A more direct and simpler way to express the commencement of something.

commenced when

Uses a more formal term, "commenced", for began.

arose when

Indicates the emergence or appearance of something at a certain point in time.

has its beginnings in when

A more verbose way of stating the start or origin of something.

is first recorded when

Focuses on the first documented or historical appearance of something.

is traditionally associated with when

Indicates a customary or long-standing link to a particular time or event.

FAQs

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

Use "dates from when" to indicate the period in which something originated or began. For example, "This law "dates from when" the country gained independence."

What is a more formal alternative to "dates from when"?

A more formal alternative could be "originates from when" or "traces its origins to when". These alternatives provide a similar meaning but with a more elevated tone.

Is it correct to say "dates back to when" instead of "dates from when"?

While "dates back to when" is grammatically correct, it changes the meaning slightly to emphasize a historical connection. In comparison, "dates from when" more directly indicates the starting point.

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

"Dates from" is used when referring to a specific year or period, whereas "dates from when" introduces a clause that describes the event or circumstances from which something originated. For example, "The artifact dates from 1850" versus "The artifact "dates from when" the settlers arrived".