hold the date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold the date" is not correct; the correct expression is "hold the date" or "save the date." You can use it when you want someone to reserve a specific date for an event, such as a wedding or party.
Example: "We are excited to announce our wedding on June 15th, so please hold the date!"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

W.W.E.'s chieftain, Vince McMahon, said in a snarky statement Monday that Stan Kroenke, the Nuggets' and the arena's owner, "did not have enough faith in his own team" to hold the date for a playoff game.

The New York Times

Hold the Date: Maureen Reagan will address the Newport Harbor Republican Women on Feb. 12 at the Balboa Bay Club.

Los Angeles Times

8. Respond to Our (Infrequent) Emails: Often, when a prospective client asks us for a proposal, they ask us to "hold the date". This is perfectly understandable.

HuffPost

8. Respond to Our (Infrequent) Emails: Often, when a prospective client asks us for a proposal, they ask us to "hold the date".

Huffington Post

Click and hold the date and time where you want the event to occur.

WikiHow

A provisional application allows you to "hold" the date of your invention while you decide whether you want to formally apply for a patent.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Hold the dates in your calendar below, and sign up here to get updates as RSVP links go live.

TechCrunch

The Cause of Death Registry holds the date and cause of a person's death.

Brain

If there is a deposit, be sure to pay it as soon as possible, as that is usually what holds the date for your party.

WikiHow

Many still contend that the necessary preparations have not been made to hold the elections by the date set.

The Guardian

Their plan is to hold the election on the date already set by the judiciary: January 31 11 days from now.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When inviting someone to an event, use "save the date" to politely ask them to keep that day free. It's especially useful for events planned far in advance.

Common error

Avoid using "hold the date" in formal communications. While sometimes used, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect; use the standard phrase "save the date" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase, while commonly used, functions as an imperative request to reserve a specific date. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect, the correct expression is "save the date".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "hold the date" is used to ask someone to reserve a specific date, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct expression is "save the date". Although examples appear in news and media, it is better to use the latter, "save the date", in any formal communication and consider it an informal usage. Common alternatives include "reserve the date" or "keep the date free". Remember that the best approach is using "save the date"!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Save the date

This alternative is a common and often more appropriate substitute, emphasizing the act of setting aside a date.

Reserve the date

This alternative highlights the act of booking or securing a date for a particular event or purpose.

Keep the date free

This suggests ensuring one's availability for a specified date, focusing on avoiding other commitments.

Set aside the date

This emphasizes the act of allocating a specific date for a particular reason or event.

Block out the date

This suggests marking a date as unavailable, often in a calendar or schedule.

Mark your calendar

This alternative is an idiomatic expression that means to note an important date on a calendar.

Remember the date

This stresses the importance of not forgetting the date

Keep the date in mind

This suggests maintaining awareness of a specific date for future reference.

Take note of the date

This emphasizes the act of paying attention to and recording a particular date.

Put it on your calendar

This alternative means to add the specific date on the calendar for future remembrance.

FAQs

What does "hold the date" mean?

While not grammatically correct, "hold the date" is sometimes used informally to mean "save the date". It's a request for someone to keep a particular date free for a future event. However, it's better to use the expression "save the date".

Is it correct to say "hold the date"?

According to standard English grammar, it's more appropriate to use "save the date". While "hold the date" appears occasionally, it's often considered incorrect.

What can I say instead of "hold the date"?

You can use alternatives like "save the date", "reserve the date", or "keep the date free" depending on the context.

Which is the correct expression, "hold the date" or "save the date"?

The correct and more widely accepted expression is "save the date". "Hold the date" should be avoided.