ideal date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ideal date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a perfect or desired romantic outing or meeting with someone. Example: "For our anniversary, I planned an ideal date that included a candlelit dinner and a walk on the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Turns out it would not have been her ideal date".

The New York Times

Poor old Ken, by contrast, is not permitted to be much more than an ideal date.

The New York Times

The outbound travel industry quickly concluded there was no ideal date.

Independent

In the EU's corridors October 2009 is now quietly being touted as an ideal date for a second Irish referendum.

The Economist

Here are 10 bars where you can meet your ideal date, from "well-to-do hipster" to "an 'American Psycho' type".

The New York Times

In terms of the nondominant adjectives, the big winners were easygoing (68percentt sought this trait for an ideal date; 64 percent sought this trait for an ideal romantic partner) and sensitive (76 percent sought this trait for an ideal date and ideal romantic partner).

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It also shows that such behaviours make for ideal date-night material (at least three-quarters of the crowd of hundreds were couples in their 20s and 30s).

The Guardian - Film

"Catfish" is the ideal dating show for the Internet age, when meeting someone online is often the prelude to meeting in the flesh, and when opinions formed about someone's Internet presence can haunt even after the virtual becomes real.

The New York Times - Arts

Today the company released Sizzl, a dating app that allows lovestruck users a closed network of bacon lovers where they can scour for their ideal dates.

TechCrunch

And one final tip, make it super easy for speakers and affiliates to promote your summit to their audience by providing them email swipe copy, promotional graphics and letting them know what the ideal dates are to promote.

HuffPost

The ideal "dating aid" would be an object that plays off this principle and somehow communicates that you've got no problem with procuring the cooze, thank you very much.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ideal date" to describe the characteristics of a partner you are looking for. For example, "I'm looking for someone funny and easygoing. That's my ideal date."

Common error

Avoid being overly specific when describing your "ideal date" in online profiles or personal ads. Listing too many requirements can deter potential matches. For example, instead of saying "My ideal date must be over 6'2", have a PhD, and enjoy opera", be more open and say "I appreciate intelligence and a good sense of humor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ideal date" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'ideal' modifies the noun 'date'. According to Ludwig, this usage is both correct and common, appearing frequently across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ideal date" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it primarily functions to describe a preferred or perfect scenario, whether referring to a romantic partner or a scheduled event. With a neutral register, it's suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news articles to casual conversations. The phrase sees frequent usage in News & Media. For those seeking alternatives, phrases like "perfect date" or "dream date" can offer similar meanings depending on the specific context. When using "ideal date", it's important to avoid being overly specific to ensure clarity and broad appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfect date

Emphasizes flawlessness and complete suitability.

dream date

Implies a date that is highly desired and perhaps somewhat unrealistic.

optimum date

Focuses on the most favorable or advantageous date.

desirable date

Highlights the attractiveness and appeal of the date.

best date

A simple and direct way to indicate the most preferable date.

preferred date

Indicates a date that is favored over others.

suitable date

Suggests a date that is appropriate and fitting.

golden opportunity for a date

Suggests a date that is a rare and valuable opportunity.

prime time for a date

Focuses on the most opportune moment for a date.

perfect timing for a date

Suggests the convergence of circumstances that make a date particularly appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "ideal date" in a sentence?

You can use "ideal date" to describe a preferred time for an event, as in "The "ideal date" for the product launch is next quarter", or to describe the perfect partner, such as "My "ideal date" would be someone who enjoys outdoor activities".

What are some alternatives to "ideal date" when referring to a person?

Instead of "ideal date", consider using terms like "dream date", "perfect match", or "ideal partner" to convey a similar meaning.

How does "ideal date" differ from "optimal date"?

"Ideal date" often refers to a desired romantic partner or a specific time for a social event. "Optimal date", on the other hand, usually refers to the most advantageous or effective time for a specific activity or project. The "optimal date" is not necessarily related to romance.

Is it appropriate to use "ideal date" in a formal context?

While "ideal date" is widely understood, it may sound too informal in certain professional settings. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "preferred time", "optimal time", or "target date" when discussing timelines for projects or events.