indicative date for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicative date for" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a date that is offered as an estimate or indication, such as a potential start date for a project. For example, "The indicative date for the new project is April 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Last month François Loos, France's industry minister, said 2009 was "an indicative date" for competition rather than a firm deadline.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Last year the EU adopted an indicative date of 2002 for the first new entrants.

The Economist

* Note: Indicative dates depending on when the regulation will be submitted to Parliament (plenary session) and to Council for final approval.

European Parliament

"We have set an initial closing date for indicative offers for the business and assets for 12pm on Monday 18 May, after which we will be better able to assess the level of interest.

BBC

The relatively early date for the president's annual address to Congress is indicative of the need to avoid being overshadowed by the campaign to succeed Obama, with the Iowa caucuses less than three weeks away.

Los Angeles Times

(April 12th is the last date for those elections to be called under British law). So all that the indicative votes might indicate is that Britain is heading for two angry election campaigns in the next couple of months.

The New Yorker

No date for Valentine's?

Los Angeles Times

Schedule a date for court.

WikiHow

The earliest dates for each area are the most relevant, as these are indicative of the introduction of the crop to that area, while later dates correspond to local expansion of the crop within the area or to a failure to detect earlier crop remains.

Plosone

Avoid dating for a while.

WikiHow

Due dates for big assignments.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicative date for", ensure the context clearly communicates that the date is not definitive and is subject to change based on evolving circumstances. This helps manage expectations and avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "indicative date for" as a guaranteed or fixed deadline. Overstating its certainty can lead to planning errors and missed targets if the date shifts. Instead, emphasize that it's an estimate and provide a range if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicative date for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically related to events, projects, or deadlines. It specifies a timeframe that is suggested or estimated but not definitively confirmed, similar to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indicative date for" is grammatically sound and serves to communicate an estimated or suggested timeframe. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is used correctly in a variety of contexts including news, business, and scientific domains. While not exceedingly frequent, its use is appropriate when conveying a date that is subject to change. When using this phrase, it's crucial to emphasize its provisional nature to avoid misunderstandings. Alternatives such as "projected date" or "tentative date" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

projected date for

Replaces "indicative" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the projected nature of the date.

estimated date for

Similar to "projected date", but implies a calculation or assessment has been made.

tentative date for

Indicates the date is subject to change and not yet confirmed.

anticipated date for

Suggests the date is expected, though not guaranteed.

potential date for

Emphasizes the date is one possibility among others.

proposed date for

Highlights that the date is being put forward for consideration.

target date for

Specifies the date as a goal or objective to be achieved.

suggested date for

Implies the date is being offered as a recommendation.

approximate date for

Highlights that the date is not exact and may vary.

preliminary date for

Indicates the date is subject to revision based on further developments.

FAQs

How can I use "indicative date for" in a sentence?

You can use "indicative date for" to refer to a date that is an estimate or a suggestion. For example, "The "projected completion date" is an "indicative date for" the end of Q4".

What's the difference between "indicative date for" and "tentative date for"?

"Indicative date for" suggests the date is a likely possibility based on current information. "Tentative date for" implies the date is even less firm and more subject to change.

Which is more formal, "indicative date for" or "estimated date for"?

"Indicative date for" is generally considered slightly more formal than "estimated date for", though both are suitable for professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "indicative date for" in project management?

In project management, you could use phrases like "target date for", "projected date for", or "planned date for" depending on the level of certainty.