save the date

USAGE SUMMARY

"save the date" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when you are informing people about an upcoming event and you want them to ensure they mark it in their calendar. For example: "Save the date: the office Christmas party will be held on December 20th."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

And developers, SAVE THE DATE!

TechCrunch

Seek it out yourself and save the date.

The Guardian - Tech

Don't Save the Date My wife and I received a "Save the Date" refrigerator magnet from my cousin, for her son's wedding.

The New York Times

"Save the Date" is rated R (Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian).

The New York Times

Jen Doll, author of Save the Date The Sex Myth by Rachel Hills.

The Guardian - Books

"The president of the N.C.A.A. sent out a save the date for everyone to attend the N.C.A.A. convention next January.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Send out save-the-date emails or cards with info and money-saving fixes.

BBC

"Don't freak out-it's just a save-the-date".

The New Yorker

We sent save-the-date cards six months before the wedding.

The New York Times

Save-the-date notices may be sent well in advance, six months out or even earlier.

The New York Times

My family wasn't big on weddings in the save-the-date, banquet-hall sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "save the date" when you want to give advance notice of an important event, allowing recipients to plan accordingly, especially for events requiring travel or significant time commitments.

Common error

Avoid using "save the date" in highly formal or professional communications where a direct invitation is more appropriate. It's better suited for announcements or preliminary notices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "save the date" functions as an imperative, prompting the audience to reserve a specific date for a future event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a commonly used phrase intended to ensure that people mark an event on their calendars.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "save the date" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to notify people about an upcoming event so they can plan accordingly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and understood. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as in wiki and formal business contexts. While typically neutral to informal, it's best to avoid it in very formal communications where a direct invitation would be more suitable. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "mark your calendar" or "note this in your agenda", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mark your calendar

This alternative is a more direct instruction to note the date on a calendar.

circle the date

This alternative evokes a visual reminder on a physical calendar.

note this in your agenda

This alternative implies a more formal or business-oriented context.

pencil it in

This alternative implies a tentative commitment to an event.

keep the day free

This alternative emphasizes the need to avoid scheduling conflicts.

block out the time

This alternative suggests reserving a specific period for an event.

remember this day

This alternative focuses on the act of remembering the specified date.

make a note of it

This alternative is a general reminder to record the information.

keep this date in mind

This alternative is a general way of asking someone to remember the date.

plan to attend

This alternative focuses on the intention to be present at an event.

FAQs

What is the purpose of sending a "save the date"?

A "save the date" notice is sent to inform potential guests of an upcoming event, typically a wedding, well in advance, allowing them to make necessary arrangements like travel and accommodation.

When should I send out "save the date" notices?

It's recommended to send out "save the date" notices 6-12 months before the event, especially if many guests will be traveling from out of town.

What information should I include in a "save the date"?

Include the date, location (city and state), and the names of the hosts. A formal invitation will follow, so detailed information isn't necessary.

What can I say instead of "save the date"?

You can use alternatives like "mark your calendar", "note this in your agenda", or simply state "more information to follow".