make a date

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a date" is an idiom used in written English which means to arrange to meet someone or to agree on a time and place for a meeting.
Example sentence: We decided to make a date to discuss the project tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make a date with you, actually.

The New Yorker

If she is, make a date.

The New York Times

Make a Date Some neighborhoods don't have a tradition of Sunday open houses.

The New York Times

They make a date, eight o'clock at New York's 21 Club.

The Economist

They make a date and meet at the White Horse Tavern.

The New Yorker

I will make a date in your diary to give you a thorough brief".

The New York Times

Just keep the banalities flowing until you make a date — or exchange information.

The New York Times

"When I first called her to make a date she cracked me up," Mr. Chabon said.

The New York Times

So yet again audiences will have to make a date with this 1895 play.

The Guardian

They make a date to get started, and Mr. Dunn now has a new client.

The New York Times

If you are headed to Edinburgh over the summer make a date with it.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a date", ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to a romantic encounter or a general arrangement to meet. For clarity, specify the purpose of the meeting.

Common error

Avoid using "make a date" in highly formal settings where it might sound too casual. Opt for alternatives like "schedule a meeting" or "arrange an appointment" for professional communication.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "make a date" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of arranging a future meeting or appointment. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts, from personal to professional settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a date" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that signifies arranging a future meeting or appointment. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context, as the phrase can imply a romantic engagement. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "schedule a meeting" might be more appropriate. Despite its common use, careful consideration of context will help ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a time

A more concise alternative, focusing on establishing a specific time for an event or meeting.

set up a time to meet

A straightforward alternative emphasizing the agreement on a specific meeting time.

arrange a meeting

Focuses on the act of setting up a formal or business-related meeting.

schedule an appointment

Implies a more formal arrangement, often with a professional or service provider.

plan to get together

Suggests a more casual and informal arrangement for a social gathering.

organize a get-together

Implies coordinating a social gathering with multiple people.

establish a schedule

Implies creating a structured plan of activities with defined times.

fix a rendezvous

A more formal or somewhat archaic way of saying to arrange a meeting.

pencil in

Indicates a tentative arrangement, subject to change.

book a slot

Commonly used to indicate reserving a specific time in a schedule or service.

FAQs

What does "make a date" mean?

"Make a date" means to arrange a meeting or appointment with someone, often implying a social or romantic engagement.

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

You can use alternatives like "arrange a meeting", "schedule an appointment", or "set up a time to meet" depending on the context.

Is "make a date" formal or informal?

"Make a date" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, use alternatives such as "schedule an appointment".

How to use "make a date" in a sentence?

Example: "Let's make a date to discuss the project next week." or "They decided to make a date for dinner on Friday night".