former date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "former date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a date that has already passed or is no longer relevant in a given context. Example: "Please ensure that all references to the former date are updated to reflect the new schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Charge!" "Screw Mailer," her former date said.

The New Yorker

And when a treacherous former date of Jimmy's pounces on him, Fisher retreats into a sulk.

The New York Times

The menacing orchestral glissandos from the former date from Greenwood's piece Popcorn Superhet Receiver, while the most memorable symphonic music from The Master can be found in the composer's work 48 Responses to Polymorphia.

The Guardian - Music

The Loch of Clickimin, Shetland, is well known for its broch and associated monuments supposedly of the Bronze and Iron Ages, although the former date is disputed.

Journal of Archaeological Science

Though it's possible the former date is when Facebook's own staff retrieved the report from its systems. .

TechCrunch

About a third of the population were recorded as Gaelic speaking at the former date.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It can occur in person or electronically and may occur between a current or former dating partner".

The New York Times

Representative Lois Capps, a California Democrat, recently introduced a bill to toughen the federal law to cover temporary protective orders and current or former "dating partners," not just spouses.

The New York Times

St. Mary's, Stow, also has Saxon and Norman elements, the former dating from the bishopric of Aelfnoth (in about A.D. 975).

The New York Times - Travel

To toast its end -- and the winner's triumph -- the women celebrated in December with a party, inviting friends, former dates and the married woman who kept score.

The New York Times

In these segments, Mr. Stewart's humor is more piquant than acid, and he unashamedly fawns over his sexy female guests while revealing embarrassing details about his own childhood and dating life (or former dating life -- he married recently).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "former date", ensure the context clearly indicates what the "current" or "latter" date is for clarity. Without this reference, the meaning may be ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "former date" without a clear reference point for comparison. For example, instead of saying "The meeting was moved from the former date", specify both dates: "The meeting was moved from January 15th to January 22nd".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "former date" is as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a determiner + noun. It modifies another noun to indicate a time reference that is in the past. Ludwig AI indicates this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "former date" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to reference a date that has already passed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, it appears across diverse sources like news outlets, scientific journals, and encyclopedias. To enhance clarity, always provide context to distinguish the "former date" from the current or intended date. Alternatives such as ""previous date"" or "earlier date" can be used for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous date

Replaces "former" with "previous", indicating a time before the current one.

earlier date

Emphasizes the temporal precedence using "earlier" instead of "former".

past date

Uses "past" to specify a time that has elapsed.

original date

Refers to the initial date, often when plans have changed.

initial date

Highlights the first date in a sequence or schedule.

specified date

Indicates a particular date mentioned before.

aforementioned date

Uses a more formal tone to refer to a previously mentioned date.

designated date

Highlights that a date was specifically chosen.

scheduled date

Refers to the date that was initially planned.

historical date

Implies the date is relevant from a historical perspective.

FAQs

What's the meaning of "former date"?

The phrase "former date" refers to a date in the past, typically when contrasting it with a current or later date. It's used to specify a time that has been superseded or replaced by another.

How can I use "former date" in a sentence?

You can use "former date" to compare two different dates. Example: "The project deadline was extended from the "previous date" to next month."

What can I say instead of "former date"?

You can use alternatives like ""previous date"", "earlier date", or "past date" depending on the context.

Is "former date" formal or informal?

"Former date" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, "aforementioned date" would be more formal.