initiating a date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "initiating a date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of starting or setting up a date, typically in a romantic context. Example: "After weeks of chatting online, I finally decided it was time for initiating a date with her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you're a woman who's scoffing at the idea of initiating a date, don't.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But in a surprising concession to romance, the A.M.A. does discuss what to do if a patient with a runny nose or hacking cough proves irresistible: "At a minimum, a physician's ethical duties include terminating the physician-patient relationship before initiating a dating, romantic or sexual relationship".

The New York Times - Magazine

That was nearly four times the comparable figure from 2009, when 53 percent said they would rather initiate a date in person and 35 percent preferred telephoning.

The New York Times

Attracted to Buddy, Abby, who says she is divorced, hesitantly initiates a dating relationship.

The New York Times

Did an algorithm just tell us to initiate a food fight on a first date?

Vice

They initiated a global search.

The Guardian

Then I initiated a scene.

The New Yorker

I initiated a 'waving campaign'.

The Guardian

Then Twilio initiates a call.

TechCrunch

Overall, 1,698 patients met the sample selection criteria and initiated an oral nonbiologic DMARD on the index date, with the majority being initiated on MTX (71%, n = 1,217).

Arthritis Research and Therapy

But even in the electronic realm, the mere act of a woman initiating communication -- forget proposing a date -- mirrors Eve's disobedience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using synonyms like "proposing a date" or "arranging a date" to emphasize specific aspects of the dating process.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal language, such as "initiating a date", in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "asking someone out" or "setting up a date" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initiating a date" functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of starting or proposing a romantic encounter. It is often used to emphasize the act of taking the first step in setting up a meeting, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

26%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "initiating a date" is a grammatically sound verb phrase referring to the act of starting or proposing a romantic encounter. As Ludwig AI explains, it's deemed correct and usable, although it carries a slightly more formal tone than alternatives like "asking someone out" or "setting up a date". While most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, it's essential to consider your audience and context when choosing between this and simpler alternatives. Remember, clarity and appropriateness are key in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proposing a date

Focuses on the act of formally suggesting a date.

suggesting a date

Emphasizes the act of recommending a specific time or activity for a date.

setting up a date

Highlights the arrangement and planning involved in organizing a date.

arranging a date

Similar to setting up, this emphasizes the logistics of the date.

planning a date

Focuses on the organizational aspect and deciding the details of the date.

organizing a date

Highlights the coordination and arrangement of activities for the date.

asking someone out

Focuses on the act of inviting someone on a date.

inviting for a date

More formal way of asking someone to go out.

lining up a date

Implies coordinating schedules to make a date happen.

scheduling a date

Emphasizes the act of putting a date on the calendar.

FAQs

What does "initiating a date" mean?

The phrase "initiating a date" means starting or suggesting a date, typically in a romantic context. It refers to the act of taking the first step to arrange a meeting with someone you're interested in.

What can I say instead of "initiating a date"?

You can use alternatives like "proposing a date", "suggesting a date", or "setting up a date" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "initiate a date" or "initiating a date"?

Both "initiate a date" and "initiating a date" are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Initiate a date" is the base form, while "initiating a date" is the gerund form, often used to describe the action in progress or as a subject of a sentence.

Which is more formal, "initiating a date" or "asking someone out"?

"Initiating a date" is generally more formal than "asking someone out". The latter is more common in casual conversation.