need by date

USAGE SUMMARY

"need by date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to discuss a specific date by which something needs to be done. For example, "I need the project completed by next Friday - that's my need by date."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The Misuse of Drugs Act is past its sell-by date and needs to be redone," he said.

The Guardian

Clinical processes, work practices and their supporting technologies probably need to be designed with a 'use-by' date.

BMJ Quality and Safety

This is largely because American negotiators, who know the United States will have to pay much of the bill, seem ready to accept a fixed target (half the number in need) by a fixed date (2015).

The Economist

On December 7, he wrote to Aleksandr Zatayevich, a Russian composer he had met before he had composed the work, saying, "I hurry in order to get money I need by a certain date.

Wikipedia

Check the sell-by date.

WikiHow

Look at the use-by date.

WikiHow

In order for Excel to sort successfully by date, you need to ensure that all of the data is stored as a date.

WikiHow

Sell-by dates?

The Guardian

Read the use-by dates.

WikiHow

Pay attention to use-by dates.

WikiHow

Pellegrin, by date and page number.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When communicating a "need by date", ensure it's clearly stated and prominently displayed to avoid any ambiguity or misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "need by date" when you actually mean the starting date of a process. Ensure that you're communicating the final deadline, not the initiation point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need by date" functions as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase, specifying a deadline or the latest acceptable time for something. Although Ludwig lacks direct examples, the components are frequently used to define requirements.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "need by date" is a grammatically sound phrase used to clearly communicate a deadline. Despite a lack of direct examples in Ludwig, it's a straightforward way to specify when something is required. Common alternatives include "due date" and "date required". Ensure it is used to communicate a deadline date and not mixed up with start date. Always make sure your "need by date" is clearly stated. While the phrase may not always surface in high-profile publications, it plays a clear role in everyday professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Due date

A more concise way of expressing the same concept.

Date required

A shorter variation of the original phrase.

Required by date

Changes "need" to "required", emphasizing necessity.

Date needed

Reverses the order for emphasis.

Deadline

This single word represents the date something must be done by.

Requested by date

Substitutes "need" with "requested", implying a formal request.

The date we require it

Expanded phrasing for emphasis and clarity.

Target completion date

Replaces the phrase with terms related to project management.

Cut-off date

Implies a final date beyond which something is no longer possible.

Latest possible date

Indicates the final acceptable date for something.

FAQs

What does "need by date" mean?

The phrase "need by date" refers to the latest date by which something is required or must be completed.

How do I clearly communicate a "need by date"?

State the "need by date" explicitly and ensure it is prominently displayed in any communication. For example, "The report need by date is July 22, 2025."

What are some alternatives to saying "need by date"?

You can use alternatives like "due date", "date required", or "target completion date".

What is the difference between "need by date" and "start date"?

"Need by date" indicates the deadline or final date for completion, while "start date" refers to the date when something should begin. They are distinct and should not be confused.