past date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'past date' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a date that has already passed, such as a deadline that has already gone by. For example, "The deadline to submit applications for the job was a past date."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Footpaths wound past date palms, jasmine and frangipani; a swimming pool extended toward an artificial lake clotted with hyacinths.

The New York Times - Travel

The road winds past date plantations and small villages that extend back into wadis, deep limestone valleys carved by seasonal floods over millenniums.

The New York Times - Travel

We are given an alternative royal line, springing from the real one at some unspecified past date, and replacing it in an otherwise unaltered history.

The Guardian - Books

If you miss your show but still have the ticket, ask the box office for past date ticket information.

BBC

Images of the past were examined within three content areas: knowledge of the past, date of construction of the building, and character of the past of Salt City.

Habitat International

When given any past date, people with HSAM can usually recall things like what color dress they were wearing, or even what the weather was like.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Sitcoms already set in the past dated less and clearly had staying power.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Client Profile The McKinsey team conducted extensive research to better understand the client's romantic history and past dating practices.

The New Yorker

Then, on the opposite side of the stage, Adam and Maureen begin a series of past dates in reverse chronological order.

The New York Times

Disenfranchisement is a relic from punishments of the past dating back to the Forfeiture Act of 1870.

The Guardian - Opinion

The exact parameters of fuzzy membership function and probability density function can be obtained through fuzzy random simulating the past dates.

Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific "past date", ensure it is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. Provide the full date (day, month, year) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "past date" when you actually mean a future deadline. For instance, don't say "The project's past date is next Friday"; instead, use "deadline" or "due date".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "past date" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to modify another noun or serve as a subject complement. It indicates a point in time that has already occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "past date" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted way to refer to a date that has already occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcasing examples from diverse contexts like news, science, and general reference materials. While it's not exceedingly common, understanding its proper use—especially in avoiding confusion with future deadlines—is key. Remember to provide specific date details when using the phrase to ensure clarity. Related phrases such as "previous date" and "earlier date" can provide suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previous date

Replaces "past" with "previous", indicating something that came before.

earlier date

Uses "earlier" instead of "past", suggesting a date that happened sooner.

bygone date

Employs "bygone" to emphasize that the date is long past.

a date in the past

Adds the article "a" and prepositional phrase, creating a more descriptive alternative.

date in the prior time

Uses "prior time" for a more descriptive version of "past".

expired date

Implies that the date represents a deadline or validity period that has ended.

outdated date

Suggests the date is no longer relevant or current.

the date before

Restructures the phrase to emphasize sequence.

foregone date

A more formal way of saying "past date."

days gone by

Emphasizes a distant and less specific time.

FAQs

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

You can use "past date" to refer to a specific date that has already occurred. For example, "The information is based on data collected up to a "previous date"."

What is an alternative to "past date"?

Alternatives to "past date" include "previous date", "earlier date", or "bygone date", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the past date"?

While grammatically correct, it is more common and natural to simply say "past date" without the article "the". Using "the" can imply a specific date already mentioned or understood in context, but omitting it is generally preferred.

What does "past date" mean in the context of food labeling?

In food labeling, "past date" often refers to the expiration date or "use by" date. It indicates that the product may no longer be at its optimal quality after that "expired date", although it may still be safe to consume.