incorrect dates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incorrect dates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to dates that are wrong or not accurate in a given context. Example: "The report was rejected due to the inclusion of incorrect dates in the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Despite some misprints, incorrect dates and verbal infelicities, her account is of interest.

The Economist

His 20 staff received letters informing them their contracts were due to end, but with incorrect dates.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From misspelled names of artists and bad translations of foreign titles to incorrect dates and attributions, I have encountered many embarrassing gaffes.

The New York Times

Last month, KLA-Tencor said that it would restate results from 1997 to 2002 after a special committee found incorrect dates were used in granting stock options.

The New York Times - Tech

The Word for Word column on July 3 gave incorrect dates in the introductions to two excerpts from "The Civil War: A Narrative," by Shelby Foote.

The New York Times

| Updated A previous version of this post had the incorrect dates of the National Ballet of Spain's upcoming run at Teatro de la Zarzuela.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The previous version gave an incorrect date for the presidential election.

The Guardian

This article was corrected on 18 December 2016 to amend an incorrect date.

The Guardian

An Abiomed spokeswoman said a public relations company had given an incorrect date.

The New York Times - Health

CROSSWORD The puzzle answers on Oct. 20 carried an incorrect date.

The New York Times

MAGAZINE The One-Page Magazine feature on Page 15 this weekend carries the incorrect date of Oct. 11.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Double-check dates, especially in formal documents, historical accounts, or legal contexts, as "incorrect dates" can lead to significant misunderstandings or legal issues.

Common error

Avoid using ambiguous date formats that can be misinterpreted. For instance, write out the month (e.g., January 1, 2024) instead of using a numerical format that might be read differently depending on regional conventions. This reduces the risk of introducing "incorrect dates" due to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incorrect dates" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase identifies instances where specific chronological information is inaccurate or erroneous. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from news articles to scientific papers, indicating widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incorrect dates" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes errors in chronological information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, scientific research, and general communication. To avoid misunderstandings, it's best practice to use clear date formats and double-check your sources, and when correcting "incorrect dates" always provide accurate replacements. Alternatives include "wrong dates", "erroneous dates", and "inaccurate dates", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrong dates

Emphasizes the dates are factually wrong.

erroneous dates

Highlights the presence of errors in the dates.

inaccurate dates

Focuses on the lack of precision or correctness in the dates.

false dates

Implies the dates are deliberately fabricated or misleading.

invalid dates

Suggests the dates are not valid or acceptable within a specific system or context.

mistaken dates

Indicates the dates were recorded or reported by mistake.

untrue dates

Stresses that the dates are not factual or truthful.

faulty dates

Indicates the dates are defective or flawed.

flawed dates

Highlights the presence of imperfections or weaknesses in the dates.

dates in error

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the presence of dates and their state of being in error.

FAQs

What's the difference between "incorrect dates" and "wrong dates"?

While both phrases indicate dates that are not right, "incorrect dates" tends to be more formal and neutral, simply stating that the dates are not accurate. "Wrong dates" /s/wrong+dates can sometimes carry a slightly stronger connotation of being entirely and obviously false.

What can I say instead of "incorrect dates"?

You can use alternatives like "erroneous dates", "inaccurate dates", or "false dates" depending on the specific context and the degree of inaccuracy you want to convey.

How do I correct "incorrect dates" in a document?

To correct "incorrect dates", first identify the accurate dates through reliable sources. Then, clearly replace the inaccurate dates with the correct ones, providing a brief explanation or citation if necessary to avoid confusion.

Why is it important to avoid "incorrect dates" in historical records?

"Incorrect dates" in historical records can lead to a misunderstanding of timelines, causal relationships, and the overall context of events. Accurate dates are crucial for the integrity and reliability of historical analysis and interpretation.