on the selfsame day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the selfsame day" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the exact same day that something else occurred, often in a historical or narrative context. Example: "The treaty was signed on the selfsame day that the war officially ended."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the selfsame day the Romans lost their army under Caepio by the Cimbrians, and in a subsequent year, under the conduct of Lucullus, overcame the Armenians and Tigranes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

166 Rawlinson p141 They add this tale too, — that Gelon and Theron won a victory over Amilcas the Carchedonian p481 in Sicily on the selfsame day whereon the Greeks vanquished the Persian at Salamis.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was the selfsame day that Senators Obama and Clinton held their 20th debate.

Huffington Post

This selfsame day is made special by a tiny, bizarre adjustment, which offers comfort for rhino and bear and bunny.

The New Yorker

But one and the selfsame substance, while retaining its identity, is yet capable of admitting contrary qualities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A more democratic Florentine Republic was refounded, partly inspired by the Venetian model, but in place of a Doge, Savonarola, who was largely responsible for the new constitution, appointed Jesus Christ — instructions from whom were inevitably to be relayed to the Florentines via his vicar on earth, the selfsame Girolamo Savonarola.

The New York Times - Arts

Sixteen years later, May could be about to have the selfsame experience, with Saturday's Put it to The People march perhaps also drawing a million people back on to the streets.

The Guardian - Opinion

She said she was planning to get another big one on her upper arm -- the selfsame tender upper arm.

The New York Times - Health

So every day is in fact the selfsame evening and morning".

The New York Times

Is it plausible that those selfsame people (And why be coy? It was Oscar de la Renta in the pages of The New York Times Magazine) may have missed school on the day when the key chapters on postmodernism were being assigned?

The New York Times

On the next Sat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the selfsame day" to add a touch of formality or historical flavor to your writing. It is particularly effective in narrative contexts where you want to emphasize the concurrence of significant events.

Common error

Avoid using "on the selfsame day" in casual or modern contexts where it might sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "on the same day" or "that day" for a more contemporary tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the selfsame day" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an event. It specifies that the event occurred on the exact same day as another event. Ludwig AI confirms that is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the selfsame day" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize that two events occurred on the exact same day. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its usage is relatively rare and more suited to formal, historical, or narrative contexts. Alternatives such as "on the same day" or "that very day" may be more appropriate for contemporary writing. The phrase finds its primary use in academic and news media sources, adding a touch of formality or historical significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on that selfsame day

Reiterates a previously mentioned day with the same archaic feel.

on the very day

Emphasizes the exactness of the day but lacks the archaic tone.

on that very day

Similar to "on the very day" but specifies a previously mentioned day.

on the same day

A more common and neutral way to express the simultaneity of events.

that very day

Highlights the immediacy and importance of the day.

on the identical day

Focuses on the precise match of the day.

upon that day

A more formal, almost literary way of saying "on that day".

the same day as

Indicates simultaneity by relating it to another event.

concurrently with

A formal way to indicate events happening at the same time.

simultaneously with

Indicates that events occur at the same time.

FAQs

What does "on the selfsame day" mean?

The phrase "on the selfsame day" means on the very same day. It's a slightly archaic way to emphasize that two events occurred on the exact same day.

When should I use "on the selfsame day"?

Use "on the selfsame day" when you want to add a formal or historical tone to your writing. It's most appropriate in narrative or historical contexts where you're emphasizing the coincidence of events. Avoid using it in informal or modern settings.

What are some alternatives to "on the selfsame day"?

You can use alternatives like "on the same day", "that very day", or "on the very day" depending on the level of emphasis and formality you want to convey.

Is "on the selfsame day" grammatically correct?

Yes, "on the selfsame day" is grammatically correct, although it's a slightly archaic construction. It follows the standard rules of English grammar. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.