put a date on it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'put a date on it' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that you want a specific deadline for something or to set a date for an event or task. For example, you can say, "Can you please put a date on that project so that we can keep track of progress?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The next day draw that bottle again in exactly the same position and put that drawing with the other one, remembering to put a date on it.

WikiHow

"We can't put a date on it".

The New York Times

Last time I put a date on it didn't work.

The New York Times

"I don't want to put a date on it.

The New York Times

But we're not going to put a date on it.

The New York Times

"After the experience we just had, I don't want to put a date on it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We will be extinct at some point, there's no point in putting a date on it," he said drily.

The Guardian

"I am certainly not putting a date on it," Mr. McCain said with exasperation during a circular, semantic debate in the back of his campaign bus.

The New York Times

It's impossible to put a date on when it happened--it's been happening for years really--but 2004 seems as good a year as any to proclaim, arbitrarily, that the fait is really accompli.

Science Magazine

SInn up for the best of VICE, delivered to your inbox daily.

Vice

Zhao said the highly-anticipated project is in "active development" although he was hesitant to put a date on when it will be ready.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase “put a date on it”, ensure the context clearly indicates what “it” refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the task, project, or event to which the date is being assigned.

Common error

Avoid using “put a date on it” when you are unsure about meeting the deadline. It's better to provide a realistic estimate or say you cannot commit to a specific date than to set unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a date on it" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate the setting of a specific deadline or scheduling of an event. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase is commonly used when discussing project timelines or commitments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a date on it" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that requests the scheduling of an event or the setting of a deadline. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts, reflecting a neutral register suitable for various settings. While versatile, it’s important to ensure clarity and avoid overcommitting when using this phrase. Alternatives such as “set a deadline” or “schedule it” can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Set a deadline for it

Focuses on establishing a firm completion time.

Assign a date to it

Emphasizes the act of designating a specific date.

Establish a timeframe for it

Highlights setting a period for completion, not just a single day.

Schedule it for a specific date

Underlines the action of planning it into a calendar.

Estimate when it will be done

Shifts focus to forecasting the completion time.

Project a completion date

Emphasizes a formal prediction or expectation of the end date.

Determine the timing

Concentrates on figuring out the optimal moment for the action.

Anticipate its final date

Highlights looking forward to the day something concludes.

Specify a future date

Focuses on clearly stating when something is going to occur.

Tentatively schedule

Indicates a preliminary or provisional plan without firm commitment.

FAQs

How do I use “put a date on it” in a sentence?

You can use “put a date on it” to request a specific deadline or schedule an event, for example: "Can we "put a date on it" for the next meeting?" or "The manager refused to "put a date on it", citing too many variables".

What does it mean to “put a date on something”?

To “"put a date on it"” means to schedule an event, commit to a deadline, or assign a specific time for something to occur.

What can I say instead of “"put a date on it"”?

Alternatives include “set a deadline”, “schedule it”, or “assign a date” depending on the specific context. For example: “Let’s "set a deadline" for this task” or “Can we "schedule it" for next week?”

Is “"put a date on it"” formal or informal?

The phrase “"put a date on it"” is generally considered neutral and can be used in both professional and informal settings. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer a more direct phrase like “establish a deadline”.