show the date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show the date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to display or provide the current date or a specific date in a document or conversation. Example: "Please show the date on the top of the report so that we can keep track of when it was created."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The menu bar can now show the date, not just the day of the week.

The New York Times - Tech

Handwritten receipts are valid, but they must show the date, the items purchased and the amount of G.S.T.-H.S.T. charged.

The New York Times - Travel

There are also pop-up and 3-D calendar art, and appointment books and wrist watches that show the date (are they ever right?).

The New York Times

I posted some photos to Flickr, but they show the date I uploaded the pictures and not the date the photos were taken.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the Watch face complications – the smaller visual elements that show the date, weather, moon phases and other information – have been enhanced.

Independent

Any such certification shall be made by the foreign intellectual property authority in which the foreign application was filed and show the date of the application and of the filing of the specification and other papers.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Security control logs which will show the dates on which Mr Werritty visited the MoD Main Building.

The Guardian

Using this method requires keeping detailed records that show the dates, prices and numbers of shares bought directly or through reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions.

The New York Times

Exceptions would include forwarded e-mail messages that are clearly from Stanford, and medical resident matching sheets that show the dates of residency.

Stanford University

The two vertical lines show the dates that the two tax cuts first took effect.

Johns Hopkins University

It also shows the date and is  water resistant to 5 metres.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In user interfaces, use a calendar widget to "show the date" and allow users to select it easily instead of typing.

Common error

Don't assume everyone understands your date format. Always clarify (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY) or, even better, spell out the month to prevent misunderstandings when you "show the date".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show the date" functions as a verb phrase, where "show" is the verb and "the date" is the direct object. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. It is typically used to request or describe the presentation of a date.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show the date" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to request or describe the display of a date. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in various contexts, from formal documentation to casual conversations. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. Alternatives like "display the date" or "provide the date" can be used for variety. Be mindful of clarifying the date format to avoid confusion. While relatively uncommon, "show the date" serves a clear and practical purpose in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display the date

Replaces "show" with "display", focusing on visual representation.

provide the date

Highlights the act of supplying the date as information.

indicate the date

Uses "indicate" instead of "show", suggesting a more subtle display.

specify the date

Highlights the act of making the date precise and unambiguous.

reveal the date

Implies uncovering or making the date known.

present the date

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of offering the date.

include the date

Specifies that the date should be incorporated within something else.

state the date

Focuses on verbally or explicitly declaring the date.

list the date

Appropriate when the date is part of a series or inventory.

mark the date

Indicates the date with a special designation or symbol.

FAQs

What does it mean to "show the date"?

To "show the date" means to display or indicate the current or a specific date. It can refer to presenting the date visually (on a screen or document) or verbally.

How can I "show the date" in a user interface?

In a user interface, you can "show the date" using a text field, a calendar widget, or a combination of both. Ensure the format is clear and allows for easy selection or input.

What are some alternatives to "show the date"?

Alternatives to "show the date" include "display the date", "indicate the date", or "provide the date". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How important is it to "show the date" on a receipt?

It is crucial to "show the date" clearly on a receipt because it's required for accounting, expense tracking, and tax purposes. Without a date, the receipt may be invalid for reimbursement or deduction.