opening date

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening date" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the date that something such as a store, business, or event officially begins operations. For example, "The opening date for the new restaurant is October 15."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opening date for entries.

The Guardian

An opening date has not been set.

The New York Times

Opening date to be announced.

The New York Times

The official opening date is Nov. 1.

The New York Times

A new opening date was not announced.

The New York Times

The tentative opening date is now 2009.

The New York Times

Neither an opening date nor casting details have been announced.

The New York Times

Construction workers were interrogated on the likely opening date.

The New Yorker

No opening date for the exhibit has been set.

The New York Times

There's still no word on an opening date.

The New York Times

A rescheduled opening date of January 2015 was also missed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the "opening date", ensure clarity by including the year. For example, "The opening date is January 1, 2026" instead of just "January 1".

Common error

Avoid using "opening date" to refer to a soft launch or preview period. The "opening date" should represent the official start of operations for the general public.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening date" functions as a noun phrase, specifying the date on which an event, business, or facility is scheduled to begin operations. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts to indicate the start or commencement of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opening date" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the date on which something begins operations. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans a multitude of contexts, most prominently in news and media. When writing, ensure clarity by including the year and avoiding confusion with related concepts like a "soft launch". Alternatives like "launch date" or "commencement date" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. In summary, "opening date" is a straightforward and versatile phrase crucial for clear communication regarding beginnings and schedules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Launch date

Replaces "opening" with "launch", emphasizing the commencement or initiation of something.

Start date

A simpler and more direct alternative using "start" instead of "opening".

Inauguration date

Uses "inauguration" instead of "opening", suggesting a more formal or ceremonial beginning.

Commencement date

Employs "commencement", highlighting the start or beginning of an event or project.

Effective date

Indicates the date when something becomes operational or valid.

Date of debut

Substitutes "opening" with "debut", emphasizing the first public appearance or introduction.

First day of operation

Rephrases "opening date" to describe the first day an entity is functioning.

Date of establishment

Replaces "opening" with "establishment", focusing on when an organization or institution was founded.

Initial release date

Applies primarily to products, films, or software, marking the date they were first made available.

Premiere date

Most fitting for events, performances, or showings. Focuses on the first presentation to an audience.

FAQs

How do I use "opening date" in a sentence?

You can use "opening date" to specify when a business, event, or facility will officially begin operations. For example, "The "grand opening" is scheduled for next month", or "The store's "opening date" is set for July 15th."

What can I say instead of "opening date"?

Alternatives include "launch date", "commencement date", or simply "start date", depending on the context. "Effective date" might also be appropriate when referring to when a policy or rule goes into effect.

Is it necessary to specify the year when mentioning the "opening date"?

Yes, including the year clarifies the specific timeframe, especially in contexts where future or past events are discussed. For example, saying "The "opening date" is January 1, 2026" leaves no room for ambiguity.

What's the difference between "opening date" and "soft launch"?

The "opening date" refers to the official public commencement of operations. A "soft launch", on the other hand, is a limited or trial opening to test operations and gather feedback before the official opening.