settle on a date

USAGE SUMMARY

"settle on a date" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of deciding on or reaching an agreement on a particular date or time for an event or plan. For example, "We need to settle on a date for the team meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Two days later he showed up at her office to settle on a date.

The New York Times - Style

At last, after spirited negotiation, they managed to settle on a date for dinner and, with even greater difficulty, on a place, and Capote finally took his leave.

The New Yorker

A client known as Dino, a sort of Liberace in Christian circles who plays a crystal-covered piano, told me that Ross tried to get him onto "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the late-night talk show, during the holiday season (the two sides couldn't settle on a date).

The New York Times

Settle on a date and immediately offer up a location.

Forbes

We settle on a date (July 25), and then settle on the couch in our new home to say our own short simple vows, all by ourselves.

HuffPost

Once the intervention has been planned out, settle on a date and time when everyone can be there.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They settled on a date, but as Sarah left the clinic, he offered one cautionary piece of advice.

The New York Times - Health

By the time the pumpkin chiffon pie was sliced, Dr. Drager had settled on a date, setting and invitations.

The New York Times

But not long after my fiancée and I finally settled on a date, ties began to haunt me.

The New York Times

The Canadian knew that I was relying on him, that I suspended my donor search when we settled on a date for the transplant.

The New York Times - Magazine

He settled on a date, Saturday, July 22nd, ordered a wolf mask and a faux-fur cape from Amazon, and readied himself for battle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle on a date", ensure that the context clearly indicates what event or activity the date is being decided for. For example, specify "settle on a date for the wedding" or "settle on a date for the meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "settle on a date" without providing enough context. Ambiguity can arise if it's unclear what the date is for, leading to confusion. Always specify the event or purpose for which the date is being chosen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle on a date" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of reaching a decision or agreement regarding a specific date for an event or activity. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its proper usage. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts such as weddings and meetings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settle on a date" is a grammatically sound and generally well-understood way to describe the act of deciding on a specific date for an event or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate for written English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently enough in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Forbes, indicating its acceptability. When using this phrase, it’s best to provide context to avoid ambiguity about what event the date pertains to. Alternatives such as "decide upon a date" or "agree on a date" may be used to convey similar meanings, but "settle on a date" specifically implies a resolution or agreement after some deliberation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decide upon a date

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect of choosing a date.

agree on a date

Highlights the mutual agreement required to fix a date.

set a date

A more concise and common way to express the act of establishing a date.

fix a date

Similar to 'set a date', but can imply a more definitive or final decision.

determine a date

Focuses on the process of finding out or establishing a date.

establish a date

Stresses the act of making a date officially recognized or valid.

conclude on a date

Suggests that a date has been reached after some discussion or deliberation.

arrange a date

Focuses on the preparatory actions taken to confirm a date.

pin down a date

Implies overcoming difficulties or obstacles to finally decide on a date.

nail down a date

Similar to 'pin down a date', suggesting a firm and definite agreement.

FAQs

What does "settle on a date" mean?

The phrase "settle on a date" means to decide or agree upon a specific date for an event, meeting, or other planned activity.

What can I say instead of "settle on a date"?

You can use alternatives like "decide upon a date", "agree on a date", or "set a date", depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "settle on a date"?

The phrase "settle on a date" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and professional settings.

Is it correct to say "settle on a date" or should it be "settle a date"?

The correct phrasing is "settle on a date". The preposition "on" is necessary to convey the meaning of reaching an agreement or decision about a specific date.