done dating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "done dating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has finished or is no longer participating in the dating process. Example: "After several disappointing experiences, I've decided that I'm done dating for now and focusing on myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He also states that abortions "have always been done, dating from ancient Greek days," as if that legitimizes it.

The New York Times

Sometimes when you're done dating a person, they want to "stay friends", and that includes keeping in touch through social media.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bride will carry a sprig of myrtle ― a symbol of love and marriage ― in her bouquet, just as all other royal brides have done dating back to Queen Victoria, Chertoff said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Does dating take place on travel-networking sites?

The Guardian - Travel

Do date night at the slides.

Huffington Post

What do dating and 401(k) investing have in common?

Huffington Post

Acting does date.

The Guardian

Ms. Nealon did date others.

The New York Times

To make life easier, she did date a few boys.

The New Yorker

She adds: "I did date younger men after that movie.

The Guardian - Film

I did date a guy in his 50s.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "done dating" to clearly communicate that you are no longer actively seeking a romantic partner. It's direct and easily understood.

Common error

Be clear about whether you mean a temporary break or a permanent decision. Using qualifiers like "done dating for now" can prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "done dating" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a state of having completed or ceased the activity of dating. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly used to express a decision to stop dating, either temporarily or permanently.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "done dating" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that indicates a decision to stop dating. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and provides examples of its use in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While not extremely common, it effectively communicates a personal choice. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "finished dating" or "no longer dating". When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the duration of this decision (temporary or permanent) to avoid any misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finished dating

Replaces "done" with "finished", implying completion of the dating process.

through with dating

Uses "through with" to convey a sense of finality regarding dating.

no longer dating

States directly that the person is not currently involved in dating.

not currently dating

Emphasizes the current state of not dating.

taking a break from dating

Indicates a temporary pause in dating activities.

off the dating market

Uses a market metaphor to describe the person's unavailability for dating.

dating hiatus

Similar to 'taking a break' but sounds more sophisticated.

given up on dating

Suggests a sense of resignation or discouragement about dating.

moved on from dating

Conveys the idea of progressing past dating and focusing on other aspects of life.

retired from dating

Uses the term "retired" humorously to indicate ending one's dating life.

FAQs

What does "done dating" mean?

It means that someone has decided to stop actively looking for or participating in romantic relationships for the time being, or permanently.

What can I say instead of "done dating"?

You can use alternatives like "finished dating", "no longer dating", or "taking a break from dating" depending on the context.

Is "done dating" the same as "giving up on dating"?

Not necessarily. "Done dating" could be a temporary choice or a permanent one, while "giving up on dating" implies a sense of defeat or resignation.

How to use "done dating" in a sentence?

You might say, "After a series of unsuccessful dates, I'm "done dating" for a while and focusing on myself."