expiry dates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expiry dates" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the date when something, such as a product or license, expires or becomes invalid. Example: Please be sure to check the expiry dates on all of your medication before taking them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Food in the refrigerator was marked with 2003 expiry dates.

The Guardian - Film

Also, barcodes don't contain information about expiry dates, so you'd have to enter those by hand.

The Guardian - Tech

And as leases get closer to their expiry dates, their value erodes.

The Economist

Another criticism of packaging is that it applies generic and misleading expiry dates to food.

The Guardian

The reforms are so specific that the EU is writing regulation on bread measurement and milk expiry dates.

The Guardian

And as resident staffers' accreditations neared their expiry dates in December, Doha applied to renew only four of them.

The Guardian

These reforms are so specific that the EU is writing laws on bread measurements and milk expiry dates.

Independent

Stretching beyond the needs of blind people from where the idea originated, the new labelling is being offered as an alternative to traditional best before and expiry dates.

The Guardian - Business

Unlike confusing and often unreliable best before and expiry dates, the label lets consumers feel with a finger exactly how fresh an item of food is.

The Guardian - Tech

To help prevent more of this, Visa and Mastercard have asked their member banks not to issue credit cards with such expiry dates.

The Economist

Fast-food restaurants and convenience stores were caught selling products slightly past their expiry dates, as were some well-known confectionery firms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about products, ensure that you accurately represent "expiry dates" to avoid confusion with related terms like 'best before' or 'sell by' dates, each having distinct implications.

Common error

Avoid using "expiry dates" interchangeably with 'best before' dates. "Expiry dates" typically indicate safety, while 'best before' relates to quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expiry dates" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the dates on which something is no longer valid or safe to use. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expiry dates" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used noun phrase referring to the dates after which products are no longer valid or safe for use. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is primarily to inform and warn, playing a crucial role in consumer safety across various contexts, including news, science, and business. Usage of the phrase is neutral in register, although it is common across formal documents. While "expiration dates" serves as a near-perfect synonym, other related phrases like "best before dates" and "sell by dates" have distinct meanings. Be sure to avoid misinterpreting or interchanging "expiry dates" with similar terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expiration dates

A direct synonym, nearly perfectly interchangeable with "expiry dates".

maturity dates

Refers to the date on which something becomes due for payment or settlement.

end dates

A more general term for when something concludes, broader than specific product expiration.

termination dates

Focuses on the ending of a contract or agreement.

validity period

Describes the duration for which something is valid.

best before dates

Specifically used for food products indicating quality rather than safety.

use by dates

Specifically indicates the date after which a food product is no longer safe to consume.

sell by dates

Indicates the date by which a product should be sold, mainly for stock rotation.

shelf life

Refers to the period a product remains usable, applicable to a range of goods.

time limit

General term for a period within which something must be done.

FAQs

How are "expiry dates" typically indicated on products?

"Expiry dates" are usually printed directly on the product packaging, often following the abbreviation 'EXP' or similar, and indicate the date after which the product should not be used.

What's the difference between "expiry dates" and "best before dates"?

"Expiry dates" indicate the date after which a product is no longer safe to use or consume. "Best before dates", on the other hand, indicate when the product's quality may start to decline, but it may still be safe to use.

What should I do with products that have passed their "expiry dates"?

Products past their "expiry dates" should generally be discarded, especially food and medicine, as they may pose a health risk. Following the "sell by dates" is an important part of responsible consumption.

Are there any legal requirements regarding "expiry dates" on products?

Yes, many jurisdictions have legal requirements for "expiry dates" on certain products, particularly food and pharmaceuticals, to ensure consumer safety and provide clarity on product lifespan.