name the day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "name the day" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is ready to set a date for an event, often in a context of making plans or proposals. Example: "If you're ready to move forward with the project, just name the day, and we'll get started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

No one can quite name the day when the count changed, especially since both remain in play.

The New York Times

"I don't know his name," Mrs. Carter testified when asked by the prosecutor, Richard Kennison Moran, to name the day laborer.

The New York Times

"We know the tea grower's name, the day they picked it, the elevation and the geographical location". .

Los Angeles Times

The sapling can be adorned with a small sign noting its botanical name, the day it was planted and the donor's name, if desired.

Los Angeles Times

Again like Mr Blair, he hesitates to name the day.

The Economist

"We didn't have a penny to our name the day it happened," says David's partner, Sarah.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We named the day.

The Guardian

We were naming the day, when Wildwood came into view".

The New York Times

Local and state officials attending the assembly named the day after Mr. Bedini.

The New York Times

What you notice first is a dense, organlike sonority, which Adams has named the Day Choir.

The New Yorker

Or is Burberry merely miffed that Cook named the day before it could?

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

"Name the day" is appropriate to use in situations where someone is inviting someone else to set a date for marriage. It gives an undertone of romantic intent and challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "name the day" in contexts that require a purely formal or neutral tone. The phrase carries an idiomatic weight, suggesting eagerness or anticipation, which may be inappropriate for business or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "name the day" functions as an idiomatic expression, prompting someone to decide on a specific date or time for a planned event. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct. It is most often used when the majority of the planning is done.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Name the day" is an idiomatic phrase used to invite someone to set a specific date for a future event. It is grammatically correct and carries a tone of readiness and anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although its usage frequency is relatively uncommon. While versatile, it is essential to consider the tone and appropriateness of the context when employing this phrase, especially in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "set the date" if a more direct or formal expression is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set the date

More direct and literal; implies confirming a date for an event.

fix a date

Similar to 'set the date', but may suggest a more formal arrangement.

appoint a date

Suggests an official or authoritative decision on a date.

schedule the date

More business-oriented; refers to adding the date to a schedule or calendar.

determine the date

Suggests a process of investigation or decision-making to find a suitable date.

decide on a date

More general; refers to simply choosing a date without specific implications.

nominate a day

To propose a specific day.

set in stone

Idiomatic; implies making an unchangeable decision about the date.

mark the calendar

A colloquialism meaning to set aside a specific date.

pencil in

A colloquialism meaning to set aside a specific date with the possibility to change it later on.

FAQs

What does it mean to "name the day"?

To "name the day" means to set a date for a future event, often implying a sense of anticipation or readiness to proceed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "name the day"?

It's appropriate when you want someone to set a date for an event. It implies the preparations are in place and only the date remains to be decided.

What can I say instead of "name the day"?

You can use alternatives like "set the date", "fix a date", or "decide on a date" depending on the context.

Is "name the day" formal or informal?

"Name the day" is generally considered informal. For professional or academic writing, it's better to opt for phrases like "schedule the date" or "determine the date".