initial date

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about the date something began, such as a project, agreement, or other event. For example, "The initial date of the project was January 15th, 2021."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The initial date variables are set to initialized to Jan 1, 2004, 12 midnight GMT.

Cornell University

Earlier this week, the government recommended keeping the initial date.

The New York Times

"The meter starts running from the initial date of the adverse possession, not from the date of ownership".

The New York Times

The book, titled "3.11," after the initial date of the event, is being published this month by Cornell University Press.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If you don't adopt this pace online, in order to get that initial date, then forget it, because people move on to somebody who will.

Independent

Heat has actually been the more worrying option, and the reason the race is now run in early November instead of its initial date in October.

The New York Times - Sports

An initial date of 23rd 22nd century bce, depending on the interpretation of the Egyptian evidence, and a final date of the 20th century bce seem probable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I do have some pickled beetroots that are well, well past their initial date - and although I like fresh beetroots in risotto, I don't like them pickled in it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Paglen is not the only one who is nervous; the launch itself was postponed at the last minute from its initial date, a week ago, after SpaceX determined that "additional pre-flight inspections" were needed.

The Guardian - Arts

The initial date is often given as that of Nobunaga's entry into Kyōto in 1568 or as that of the expulsion of the last Ashikaga shogun, Yoshiaki, from Kyōto in 1573.

Britannica

Contractor technicians were never able to identify the initial date of penetration into the computers of the Bureau of Industry and Security, which controls sensitive exports of technology that has both commercial and military uses.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the beginning of a project, use "initial date" to clearly establish the starting point for timelines and tracking progress.

Common error

Avoid using "initial date" when you actually mean the completion or "end date" of a task or project. "Initial date" should only refer to the beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial date" functions as a noun phrase, specifying a particular point in time that marks the beginning of an event, process, or period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

29%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initial date" is a versatile and grammatically sound term used to denote the starting point of various events or processes. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reports. While alternatives such as "start date" or "commencement date" exist, "initial date" offers a clear and precise way to establish timelines and track progress, ensuring your writing is both accurate and effective. Keep in mind that it should only refer to the beginning of an event and not be confused with the end date.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start date

Simplifies to the most basic and commonly understood synonym.

starting date

Replaces "initial" with "starting", a more common synonym, slightly less formal.

original date

Similar to "initial date" but emphasizes that this date might have been changed or superseded.

commencement date

Uses "commencement" for a more formal and official tone, suitable for documents or formal announcements.

outset date

Similar to "beginning date", but perhaps with a slightly stronger emphasis on the very start of something.

inception date

Emphasizes the beginning or creation of something, often used for organizations or projects.

establishment date

Used when referring to when something like an organization or institution was formally established.

launch date

Specifically refers to the date something is launched or released, often used for products or initiatives.

baseline date

Refers to a date used as a reference point for comparison, often in scientific or statistical contexts.

effective date

Indicates when something becomes legally binding or operational, common in contracts and policies.

FAQs

How to use "initial date" in a sentence?

You can use "initial date" to specify the starting point of an event, project, or period. For instance, "The "starting date" was set for January 1st."

What can I say instead of "initial date"?

Alternatives include "start date", "commencement date", or "beginning date", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "initial date" the same as "original date"?

While similar, "initial date" refers to the very first date something was planned or began. "Original date" might imply that the date has since changed or been revised.

What's the difference between "initial date" and "effective date"?

"Initial date" simply marks the beginning. "Effective date" specifies when something becomes legally binding or operational, particularly in official contexts such as contracts or policies.