foundation date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundation date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the specific date on which an organization, institution, or structure was established. Example: "The foundation date of the university is September 1, 1856."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Nothing earlier than the last quarter of the 8th century bce has been discovered, a full century later than the traditional foundation date.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The number etched on to its hospital in grimy brick – 1977 – is the squat structure's foundation date, but it could just as easily be the year when the clock stopped.

Independent

Its foundation date, it reminds new members, also marked the 300th anniversary of Britain's Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw an unpopular king overthrown.It would be nice to believe that Labour's conversion to the cause of constitutional reform is a result of the intellectual force of the arguments advanced by Charter 88 and others.

The Economist

The first documented foundation date of a citizens' initiative against this project was the 27th of October in 2014.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The owners tried to have the foundation date on the club badge changed from 1933 to 2005.

BBC

The foundation date of the Castle of Zena are still unknown, though the first document attesting its presence dates back to 1216.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Only the foundation dates back to at least A.D. 715, not the church.

The New York Times

By her estimation, the house's stone foundation dates back to 1810.

The New York Times

In smaller communities, however, especially in Asia Minor, analogous local departures were used (legendary or historical foundation dates or other epoch-making events), with confusing results for latter-day chronologists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To renovate the structure based on the original foundation dating back to the 9th century, complex multidisciplinary investigations were performed in the field of archaeology, conservation, engineering and construction.

Engineering Structures

The church's ancient foundation dates from the 12th century.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the term "foundation date" to provide a specific, historically accurate reference point, especially in contexts where precision is important. Consider that in some cases, like the University of Oxford, an exact foundation date may not exist.

Common error

Avoid confusing the "foundation date" with the date of completion or major renovation. The "foundation date" refers specifically to when the entity was initially established, not when it underwent significant changes or expansions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundation date" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific point in time when an entity, such as an institution or organization, was established. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Science

24%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "foundation date" refers to the specific date on which an organization, institution, or structure was established. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in written English. It is a noun phrase often employed to provide historical context and establish timelines, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "establishment date" and "inception date" exist, "foundation date" is distinct in its emphasis on the act of laying the groundwork. Remember to avoid confusing it with completion or renovation dates. The legal foundation or the basis date are semantically and conceptually distinct and should not be confused with "foundation date".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

founding date

This alternative is a more direct synonym, focusing on the act of founding.

establishment date

This alternative uses a more formal term for "foundation", implying a structured beginning.

date of formation

This alternative is often used for organizations or groups, emphasizing their coming together.

inception date

This alternative emphasizes the commencement or start of something.

date of creation

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

origination date

This alternative highlights the point at which something began or originated.

year of establishment

This alternative specifies the period, focusing on the year rather than the precise date.

historical origin

This alternative focuses on the historical roots and beginnings.

time of founding

This alternative is a more general term indicating the period when something was founded.

genesis date

This alternative is a more literary term for origin or beginning.

FAQs

How is "foundation date" used in a sentence?

You can use "foundation date" to specify when something was established, like this: "The "foundation date" of the museum is 1925."

What is another way to say "foundation date"?

Alternatives include "establishment date", "inception date", or "founding date", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "foundation date" and "completion date"?

"Foundation date" refers to the date an entity was initially established, whereas "completion date" refers to when a project, like a building, was finished. They are not interchangeable.

Is it always possible to determine the "foundation date" of an organization?

No, some organizations, especially those with very long histories, may not have a definitively recorded or agreed-upon "foundation date". For example, the University of Oxford has no known "foundation date".