picking a date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "picking a date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of selecting a specific date for an event or appointment. Example: "We are in the process of picking a date for the wedding that works for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Hester said he was working through logistical issues like picking a date, probably in June.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm going to be guarded about picking a date now," Mr. Wowereit said Monday.

The New York Times

For someone like me who has flexiblity in scheduling, Travelocity's system is much better than picking a date and an airport at random.

The New York Times

An example we've had is: "What's the best algorithm for picking a date?" Now if you're kind of a geek, you wonder, "Should I try having more dates with a lower threshold of quality or...?" What we're talking about is anything that is amenable to this four-step process.

The New York Times

A US government Centre for Disease Control article on how to quit smoking - which can be applied to other habits - suggests picking a date to quit; alerting those around you so they can offer support; and listing your reasons to quit.

Independent

Because all along many of us have said that picking a date is a way of setting a target and demanding a change of behavior.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Pick a date!" the Iranian continued.

The New Yorker

Let's pick a date.

The Guardian - Opinion

All they had to do, then, was pick a date.

The New York Times

The scientists picked a date for launch: September 8, 2016.

The New Yorker

Pick a date, book it, do the show.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "picking a date", consider all relevant factors such as availability, potential conflicts, and the overall goals of the event or activity. Communicate effectively with all parties involved to ensure the selected date is suitable for everyone.

Common error

Avoid "picking a date" without considering external factors like holidays, other significant events, or deadlines that could impact attendance or participation. Always check for potential conflicts before finalizing the date.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picking a date" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the action of selecting a date. It's commonly part of a larger sentence, indicating an ongoing process or a task to be completed, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "picking a date" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood gerund phrase that describes the action of selecting a specific date for an event or activity. It's versatile and suitable for a variety of contexts, from news articles to everyday conversations. While not extremely frequent, it is a practical expression with several similar phrases like "choosing a date" or "selecting a date" which can be used interchangeably depending on the desired level of formality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides useful examples across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

selecting a date

Replaces "picking" with "selecting", a more formal synonym, maintaining the core meaning.

choosing a date

Substitutes "picking" with "choosing", offering a slightly more general alternative.

deciding on a date

Replaces "picking" with "deciding on", emphasizing the decision-making aspect.

setting a date

Changes "picking" to "setting", focusing on the act of establishing a date.

scheduling a date

Replaces "picking" with "scheduling", highlighting the planning aspect.

fixing a date

Substitutes "picking" with "fixing", implying a more definite and arranged selection.

arranging a date

Changes "picking" to "arranging", emphasizing the preparation involved in setting up a date.

determining a date

Replaces "picking" with "determining", suggesting a more analytical approach to selecting the date.

establishing a date

Substitutes "picking" with "establishing", indicating a more formal or official setting of a date.

naming a date

Changes "picking" to "naming", focusing on announcing or formally declaring a date.

FAQs

How can I use "picking a date" in a sentence?

You can use "picking a date" to describe the process of selecting a specific day for an event. For example, "We are currently in the process of "picking a date" for the conference that works for most attendees".

What are some alternatives to "picking a date"?

Alternatives to "picking a date" include "choosing a date", "selecting a date", or "deciding on a date". These phrases convey the same basic meaning with slight variations in formality or emphasis.

Is it better to say "picking a date" or "choosing a date"?

Both "picking a date" and "choosing a date" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context, as they have very similar meanings.

What should I consider when "picking a date" for an event?

When "picking a date", it's crucial to consider factors such as the availability of key participants, potential conflicts with holidays or other events, and the overall suitability of the date for the intended purpose. Effective communication and planning are essential for "picking a date" that works well for everyone involved.