on several dates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on several dates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple specific days or occasions when an event occurs or when something is scheduled. Example: "The conference will take place on several dates throughout the month of June."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

She went on several dates with him, including one where he took her to a movie and he "talked all through it, in a loud whisper, telling me why the scenes were all wrong".

The New Yorker

HuffPost searched the room reservation system at the Doral on several dates and found that only "premier" grade rooms with one or two beds are listed as accessible.

Huffington Post

And in New York, she has been asked out on several dates.

The New York Times

Was it acceptable to break up with someone that you had gone on several dates with over e-mail?

The New Yorker

In truth, there was plenty of confusion to go around: Ms. Brody also erred on several dates.

The New York Times

Mowing was simulated on several dates from mid-May to mid-July in populations of a vernal ecotype of Rhinanthus minor and an aestival ecotype of Rh. alectorolophus.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Jeff Testerman, 28, who met his wife, Melissa, 26, on PlentyofFish.com in 2006, chose free services because "for me, spending money on [online dating] signaled the fact that I was desperate". Spira says it's also common for online daters to be on several dating sites at once, at least one of which is free.

Los Angeles Times

She's been on several dating apps — OkCupid, Coffee Meets Bagel, Hinge, Tinder, Bumble.

The Washington Post

Looking ahead, executives foresee a day when people no longer need to fill in questionnaires on several dating sites.

The Economist

On their first several dates, the couple cooked, gardened, shopped at the Park Slope Food Co-op and rode bicycles together.

The New York Times - Style

In 2007, she served as the opening act on twenty dates for George Strait's tour, several dates on Kenny Chesney's Flip-Flop Summer Tour, selected dates on Brad Paisley's Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour and several dates for Tim McGraw and Hill's joint Soul2Soul II Tour.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on several dates" to clearly indicate that an event or action occurred more than once, but not necessarily frequently. It implies a limited number of distinct occasions.

Common error

Avoid using "on several dates" when referring to a large number of occurrences. "Several" implies a smaller quantity than "many". Use "on many dates" or "frequently" if the event happened extensively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on several dates" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurs. It indicates that an event or activity took place on more than one, but not many, distinct days. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on several dates" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate that an event or activity occurred on more than one distinct day. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage. As an adverbial phrase, it provides temporal context and is appropriate for neutral registers, as seen in numerous news articles, wiki entries, and scientific papers. While interchangeable with phrases like "on different dates" or "over multiple days", it's crucial to distinguish "several" from "many" to maintain accuracy. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "on several dates" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on different dates

Highlights the distinct nature of each date.

in several instances

More concise way of saying "on numerous instances".

over multiple days

Focuses on the span of days rather than specific instances.

throughout a series of dates

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the dates.

across a number of days

Similar to "over multiple days" but with a slightly more formal tone.

during various occasions

Emphasizes the variety of events, not necessarily chronological.

at various times

Highlights the variety of times, not necessarily chronological.

on numerous instances

Highlights the frequency of the events.

on a few occasions

Indicates a smaller number of instances compared to "several".

a couple of times

Signifies a very small number of occurrences, just two.

FAQs

How can I use "on several dates" in a sentence?

Use "on several dates" to indicate that something happened on more than two dates, but not an overwhelming number. For example: "The workshop will be held "on several dates" in July".

What's the difference between "on several dates" and "on various dates"?

"On several dates" implies a limited number of specific instances, whereas "on various dates" suggests a wider range and less defined selection of dates.

Is it more formal to say "on several occasions" instead of "on several dates"?

"On several occasions" is generally more formal and can refer to events that aren't necessarily date-specific, while "on several dates" specifies distinct calendar days.

Can I use "on several dates" to refer to future events?

Yes, you can use "on several dates" to refer to scheduled or planned events in the future. For example: "The promotional events are scheduled "on several dates" next month".