look at the date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look at the date" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a command or suggestion to pay attention to the specific date mentioned. Here is an example: "Before making any decisions, be sure to look at the date on the document to ensure it is current." or "Please look at the date on the invitation before RSVPing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I tell them, 'Look at the date,' " he said.

The New York Times

You have to look at the date to see that this is not a forgery.

The New York Times - Arts

–What current events does this song bring to mind, and why? –Look at the date of this song's release.

The New York Times

"Look at the date," Senator Patty Murray, Democrat of Washington and a member of the Budget Committee, said on Wednesday.

The New York Times

"People that did the shopping, they would look at the date and be freaked out at how long it would be good for," she said.

The New York Times

But the biggest reason for throwing food away is because we don't use it in time, and, in many cases, we simply look at the date on the packet rather than the contents – and that date might be OK to ignore.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Look at the dates," Brynjolfsson said.

The New Yorker

Now, go back and look at the dates again.

The New York Times

"Look at the dates: 7-03, 7-03, 7-03, 7-03, 7-03," he said, running his finger down the list of those killed in an ambush one day in the summer of 1966.

The New York Times

The television ads take a humorous look at the dating game, showing men using Axe and promptly becoming attractive to women.

The New York Times

"I was so excited about booking a trip to Las Vegas that I didn't look at the dates, but once I did I was a little hesitant," said Ms. Phipps, who already uses her fiancé's last name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "look at the date" in instructions, be specific about which date you are referring to, especially if multiple dates are present.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying which date should be examined. For instance, instead of saying "Look at the date and tell me if it works", specify: "Look at the expiration date and tell me if it works."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look at the date" functions as an imperative, giving a direct command or instruction. It prompts the listener or reader to focus their attention on a specific date. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look at the date" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves as a direct command to examine a particular date. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, informational guides, and academic materials. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying which date is being referred to. Alternatives like "check the date" or "examine the date" offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis, providing writers with flexibility in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check the date

Replaces "look" with "check", a synonym for verifying information.

examine the date

Uses "examine" to suggest a more careful consideration of the date.

consider the date

Emphasizes thinking about the implications of the date.

note the date

Highlights the importance of recording or remembering the date.

take note of the date

Similar to "note the date", but slightly more emphatic.

pay attention to the date

Stresses the need to focus on the date.

be mindful of the date

Suggests a conscious awareness of the date and its significance.

refer to the date

Implies consulting the date for information or reference.

verify the date

Focuses on confirming the accuracy of the date.

determine the date

Highlights the process of finding out what the date is.

FAQs

How can I use "look at the date" in a sentence?

You can use "look at the date" as an instruction to examine a specific date. For example, "Look at the date on the invoice to see when it's due."

What are some alternatives to saying "look at the date"?

Alternatives include phrases like "check the date", "examine the date", or "note the date" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "look at the date" or should I use a different phrase?

"Look at the date" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The suitability of the phrase depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What does "look at the date" mean?

"Look at the date" means to examine or consider a particular date, often for a specific purpose or to gain information.