due date

USAGE SUMMARY

"due date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the date by which an obligation or responsibility must be completed. For example, "I must submit my essay to my professor before the due date of May 15th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Only the due date".

The New York Times

Her original due date?

The New York Times

There's no due date.

The Washington Post

a7handout.pdf a7release.zip Due date?

Cornell University

A8handout.pdf a8release.zip Due date?

Cornell University

a6handout.pdf a6release.zip Due date?

Cornell University

#5 due date extended.

Cornell University

DUE DATE Opens on Friday nationwide.

The New York Times

"Due Date" will have none of it.

The New Yorker

But such popularity has a due date.

The New York Times

The due date became October 1st.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting a "due date", be realistic about the time required to complete the task or meet the obligation. Allowing buffer time can prevent unnecessary stress and ensure timely completion.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "due date" is also the start date. Clearly differentiate between when work should begin and when it must be finished to prevent last-minute rushes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "due date" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a complement to verbs indicating scheduling or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "due date" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to specify a deadline or expected time of completion for tasks, payments, or events. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely applicable across different registers, including academic, professional, and informal settings. When using "due date", it's important to ensure clarity and realism in setting the date, avoiding confusion with start dates. Related phrases, such as "deadline", "completion date", and "maturity date", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. The phrase’s frequency is very high, particularly in News & Media and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deadline

A more general term for the latest time or date by which something must be completed.

completion date

Focuses on the act of finishing something rather than the obligation.

target date

Suggests a goal or aim for completion, rather than a strict requirement.

expected delivery date

More specifically refers to when something is anticipated to arrive or be available.

maturity date

Specifically refers to the date on which a financial instrument becomes due for payment.

scheduled date

Emphasizes that the date has been planned or arranged in advance.

term date

Less direct, refers to the time the event happens

projected date

Conveys an estimated or forecast date, often used when uncertainty exists.

agreed-upon date

Highlights that the date was mutually decided or negotiated.

appointed date

This alternative is more formal.

FAQs

How do I use "due date" in a sentence?

You can use "due date" to specify the date by which something needs to be completed, like "The project's "deadline" is next Friday" or "What is the "completion date" for this assignment?".

What's the difference between "due date" and "deadline"?

"Due date" is often used in contexts where something is expected or owed, while "deadline" is a more general term for the latest time to complete something. They are largely interchangeable, but "due date" can imply an obligation.

Can "due date" refer to something other than a task or payment?

Yes, "due date" can also refer to the expected date of childbirth. For example, "Her "expected delivery date" is in June."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "due date"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "completion date", "target date", or "maturity date" if you're discussing financial obligations. All of them specify the date when an action needs to be completed.