set a date

USAGE SUMMARY

"set a date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to arrange a meeting on a certain day, or when you need to find a time that works for everyone to do something. For example, "Let's set a date for our next meeting so we can discuss the project further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BETTMAN: We haven't set a date.

The New York Times

They are satisfied and set a date.

The New York Times

QUESTIONER: Have you set a date?

The New York Times

We set a date for Thursday.

The New York Times

No, we have not set a date.

The New York Times

"We've just got to set a date".

The New York Times - Sports

The judge did not set a date.

The New York Times - Sports

You have to set a date".

The Guardian

They set a date for lunch.

The New York Times - Style

I wanted to set a date.

The Guardian

We have not set a date.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To sound more natural, consider the context. For informal situations, saying "let's set a date" is good. In more formal situations, "we need to set a date" works.

Common error

Avoid using "set a date" in highly formal documents. Opt for phrases like "schedule a meeting" or "establish a timeframe" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a date" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of arranging or scheduling a specific time for an event or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set a date" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the action of arranging a specific time for an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in various contexts, including news, media, and informal conversations. While generally neutral in tone, more formal situations may warrant alternatives like "schedule" or "establish". Key best practices include providing clear context to avoid ambiguity and adjusting formality based on the situation. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate "set a date" into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrange a date

Uses "arrange" instead of "set", focusing on the act of organizing.

schedule a time

More general, referring to scheduling any event, not necessarily a social one.

fix a day

Emphasizes choosing a particular day for something.

agree on a date

Highlights the aspect of mutual agreement in choosing the date.

determine a date

Suggests a more formal or decisive process in choosing the date.

establish a date

Focuses on the creation or foundation of a date.

name the day

Informal way of asking to decide the date.

book a date

Similar to scheduling, often used for appointments or reservations.

plan a date

Focuses on the planning and preparation leading up to the date.

find a time

Broader, referring to finding a suitable moment, not necessarily a specific date.

FAQs

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

You can use "set a date" to indicate the arrangement of a specific time for an event. For example, "Let's set a date for our next project meeting" or "Have they set a date for the wedding yet?"

What are some alternatives to "set a date"?

Alternatives include "arrange a date", "schedule a time", or "fix a day", depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "a date was set"?

Yes, "a date was set" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction of "set a date", indicating that the action of setting the date has been completed. For instance, "A date was set for the final presentation".

What's the difference between "set a date" and "plan a date"?

"Set a date" refers specifically to choosing and confirming a particular day for an event, whereas "plan a date" encompasses all the preparations and arrangements involved in organizing an event or activity.