name a date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "name a date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to specify a particular date for an event or meeting. Example: "Can you name a date when we can schedule the meeting?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But he did not name a date.

The Economist

But the court should also name a date for new voting, he said.

The New York Times

Name a date and that's when it was going to open.

The New York Times

"She, for instance, will name a date for triggering negotiations on Brexit.

The Guardian

Any pundit could have told him that when you forecast an event, you should not name a date.

The Economist

"South Carolina will name a date that keeps us first in the South," said the party chairman, Katon Dawson.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

And Cesárea named a date, sometime around the year 2600.

The New Yorker

Each child named a date, but Dakotah was confused.

The New Yorker

Mr Krenz has promised "free elections", without so far naming a date.

The Economist

He has made plenty of noises about retiring but he has not yet named a date or a successor.

The Economist

That means Mr Salmond simply cannot duck naming a date for much longer.It is all pretty ironic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "name a date" when you want someone to specify a particular date, especially in situations where the date is uncertain or needs to be decided. For example: "Can you name a date for our next meeting?"

Common error

Don't use "name a date" if the context requires a firm commitment. Instead, use phrases like "confirm the date" or "finalize the date" to convey a stronger sense of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "name a date" functions as a request or directive, prompting someone to specify a particular date. It seeks to elicit a commitment or at least a suggestion for scheduling an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "name a date" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to ask someone to specify a date for a future event. Ludwig AI highlights that it's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts. While other options like "specify a date" or "set a date" may suit formal situations or emphasize different aspects of date selection, "name a date" provides a direct and clear way to initiate scheduling. Keep in mind that while the phrase is generally well-received, context matters when aiming to convey a firm commitment versus a tentative suggestion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a date

Focuses on the action of establishing a date, similar to "name a date" but emphasizes the decision-making aspect.

specify a date

Highlights the act of making a date precise and clear, offering a more formal tone than "name a date".

designate a date

Implies a formal or official selection of a date, adding a layer of authority not present in "name a date".

determine a date

Emphasizes the process of figuring out or deciding on a date, shifting the focus from simply stating it.

fix a date

Suggests making a date firm and unchangeable, conveying a stronger sense of commitment than "name a date".

nominate a date

Implies suggesting a date for consideration, differing from "name a date" which suggests a more definitive declaration.

announce a date

Focuses on the act of publicly declaring a date, whereas "name a date" can be a private act.

establish a date

Implies creating or setting up a date, highlighting the foundational aspect compared to simply naming it.

propose a date

Suggests offering a date for acceptance or discussion, making it less assertive than "name a date".

schedule a date

Implies putting a date into a plan or timetable, focusing on organization rather than the act of naming.

FAQs

How can I use "name a date" in a sentence?

You can use "name a date" to ask someone to specify a particular date for an event or meeting. For example, "Could you please "name a date" for the project deadline?"

What's a more formal alternative to "name a date"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "specify a date", "designate a date", or "establish a date" as alternatives to "name a date".

Is it correct to say "name to a date" instead of "name a date"?

No, the correct phrasing is "name a date". The preposition "to" is not needed and would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "name a date" and "set a date"?

"Name a date" implies specifying a date that may already exist or be under consideration, whereas "set a date" suggests establishing or fixing a date that wasn't previously determined.