have a date

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a date" is a perfectly grammatical and correct usage in written English.
It can be used to refer to a romantic rendezvous, or to a meeting with someone. For example: "John and I have a date tonight at the cinema."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't have a date.

The Guardian

"Sure we have a date to fire.

The New York Times

We don't have a date.

The Guardian

Do we have a date?

Yale University

REPORTER: Do you have a date set?

The Washington Post

Do you have a date set?

The Washington Post

Why don't I have a date?

The New York Times - Style

Here's how to have a date that makes a difference.

The Guardian

The two men have a date in Washington.

The New Yorker

I have a date with my gyno in twenty minutes".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

have a date-night at least every week.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a date" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether it refers to a romantic encounter or a scheduled meeting. If you are not sure, make sure to clarify the type of date.

Common error

Avoid using "have a date" without context, especially when it could be confused with a business or calendar date. Instead, specify the type of date (e.g., "romantic date", "business date") to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a date" functions as a verb phrase indicating either a scheduled meeting or, more commonly, a romantic engagement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

32%

Huffington Post

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a date" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe either a planned romantic encounter or a scheduled meeting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable in various contexts. To avoid ambiguity, specify the type of date when necessary. Related phrases like "go on a date" or "schedule a date" can provide greater clarity depending on the intended meaning. Its frequency is classified as common, and authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go on a date

Focuses on the action of attending a date, rather than simply possessing one.

schedule a date

Emphasizes the planning and arrangement of a date.

arrange a date

Similar to 'schedule a date', but can also imply coordinating with another person.

fix a date

Emphasizes setting a specific time for a meeting or event.

get a date

Highlights the acquisition of a date, possibly after seeking one.

plan a date

Highlights the act of creating a date experience.

set up a date

Suggests that someone other than the two participants arranged the date.

be dating

Suggests an ongoing romantic relationship.

have plans to meet

A more general phrase, not necessarily romantic.

have an appointment

Refers to a formal meeting, not typically romantic.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a date" to describe a planned romantic encounter, as in "I "have a date" tonight with John". It can also refer to a scheduled meeting, as in "We "have a date" to discuss the project next week".

What can I say instead of "have a date"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "go on a date", "schedule a date", or "arrange a date".

Is it correct to say "I have a date with myself"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. It indicates spending quality time alone, doing activities you enjoy. This usage emphasizes self-care and personal enjoyment.

How do I ask someone if they already "have a date" for an event?

You could ask, "Do you already "have plans" for the prom?" or "Are you going with someone already?" This avoids directly asking about a date and keeps the conversation casual.