expiration date

USAGE SUMMARY

"expiration date" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to the date after which something, such as a credit or debit card, is no longer valid. For example: "Please enter your credit card's expiration date below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It has no expiration date".

The New York Times

Is there an expiration date?

The New Yorker

Pussy got an expiration date.

The New Yorker

The biggest gotcha is that expiration date.

The New York Times - Tech

"Everything has an expiration date," he said.

The New York Times

"Every executive reaches an expiration date".

The New York Times

8. Expiration date safe harbor.

Cornell University

"It doesn't have an expiration date".

The New York Times

I must have reached my expiration date".

The New York Times - Arts

Talent can have an expiration date.

The New York Times - Arts

Today's songs come with an expiration date.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "expiration date" of physical products, clearly state whether it refers to safety (use by date) or quality (best before date) to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "expiration date" is the same as the manufacture date. The expiration date indicates when a product is no longer safe or effective, while the manufacture date is when it was produced. Confusing them can lead to incorrect assumptions about product usability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expiration date" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in identifying a specific date after which something is no longer valid or usable, such as in the context of food, medication, or documents. The examples illustrate its role in providing a crucial piece of information regarding the lifespan of an item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expiration date" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the date after which something is no longer valid or safe to use. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as informing consumers, with its usage spanning across various contexts from news and media to academia and wikis. Pay attention to the difference between the "expiration date", '"best before date"', and manufacture date, and make sure to check the sources to assess the safety and effectiveness of products. Always remember that the meaning is connected to how a product or service is no longer valid or safe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expiry date

Direct synonym, commonly used interchangeably with "expiration date".

best before date

Specifies the date until which a product retains its optimal quality, especially in food products.

use by date

Indicates the last day a product is safe to consume, mainly for perishable goods.

valid until

Emphasizes the period of validity, often used for documents or licenses.

end date

A more general term indicating the cessation of validity or activity.

time limit

Highlights the limited period for usage or effectiveness.

deadline

Focuses on the final date or time something must be completed or used.

shelf life

Refers to the length of time a product can be stored before it deteriorates.

termination date

Formal term indicating the date something officially ends or is no longer valid.

obsolescence date

Indicates when a product or technology becomes outdated or no longer useful.

FAQs

How do I properly read an "expiration date"?

The "expiration date" usually follows a month/day/year or month/year format. Always prioritize the product's safety by adhering to this date, beyond which the manufacturer cannot guarantee quality or safety.

What happens if I use a product past its "expiration date"?

Using products beyond their "expiration date" can pose health risks, especially with food and medication. Effectiveness may also diminish. It's generally advisable to discard expired items.

What's the difference between an "expiration date" and a '"best before date"'?

An "expiration date" indicates the last day a product is safe to use, while a '"best before date"' suggests when the product is at its optimal quality. After the '"best before date"', the product may still be safe, but its quality may have decreased.

Are there items that don't have an "expiration date"?

Yes, some items like pure honey, salt, sugar, and certain canned goods may not have a specified "expiration date" due to their inherent stability and resistance to degradation. However, storage conditions still play a role in their longevity.