shows the date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shows the date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that displays or indicates a specific date, such as a document, a digital interface, or a calendar. Example: "The application shows the date of the last update clearly on the main screen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

Independent

Like the previous 100-series models, the m130 offers interchangeable if overpriced faceplates ($10 to $20 each), a breakage-resistant plastic screen instead of glass and a flip cover whose little transparent window shows the date and time.

The New York Times - Tech

The post draws on data gathered by enabling a feature of Google Earth that shows the date and size of the satellite images stitched together to create a seamless image by the service.

The New York Times

In several photographs that have spread widely on Facebook and other sites, Ms. Karimova is seen standing outside in a blue bikini and high heels holding a sign that shows the date of the protest and the slogan "Cold is not scary".

The New York Times

The sub-dial at 6 o'clock shows the date via a blued hand and the level of activity via the gilded, longer hand.

TechCrunch

However a study of grapefruit harvesting shows the date they are picked has a clear influence on decay, with 30.7% of fruit picked before flowering rotting, but only 5.5% rotting if picked during full bloom.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Barris invented spontaneous television in the 1960s with his unscripted daytime game shows The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game.

Forbes

Table 4 below shows the dates these standards were effective and the associated HSPF and average seasonal COP values [23, 42].

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Table  1 shows the dates and formulations of the trivalent vaccines used throughout both study periods.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Table 2 shows the dates of clear chest radiographs interpreted as normal and the first chest radiographs showing disease.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Figure 1A shows the dates of symptom onset of the 1,755 SARS patients detected in Hong Kong in 2003.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about what "shows the date". For example, "The report shows the date of the transaction". Ensure context is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "is showing the date" when "shows the date" is more concise and grammatically appropriate. The continuous form implies an ongoing action, which is usually not the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows the date" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating that something displays or presents the date. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing features of watches, software interfaces, and official documents.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shows the date" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that displays a date. Ludwig AI confirms that. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Wiki. While the phrase is acceptable in most contexts, be careful to avoid using passive or continuous forms when unnecessary. Consider using alternatives like "displays the date" or "indicates the date" for variety. Sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch frequently use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates the date

Replaces "shows" with "indicates", offering a slightly more formal tone while retaining the same meaning.

displays the date

Substitutes "shows" with "displays", emphasizing the visual presentation of the date.

presents the date

Replaces "shows" with "presents", suggesting a more formal and deliberate revelation of the date.

reveals the date

Substitutes "shows" with "reveals", implying a discovery or uncovering of the date.

gives the date

Replaces "shows" with "gives", focusing on providing the date as information.

records the date

Substitutes "shows" with "records", emphasizing the action of documenting the date.

lists the date

Replaces "shows" with "lists", suitable when the date is part of a series or enumeration.

features the date

Substitutes "shows" with "features", highlighting the date as a prominent element.

includes the date

Replaces "shows" with "includes", indicating that the date is part of a larger set of information.

the date is visible

This alternative shifts the focus to the visibility of the date, rather than the action of showing it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "shows the date"?

You can use alternatives like "displays the date", "indicates the date", or "presents the date" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is showing the date" instead of "shows the date"?

While grammatically sound, "is showing the date" is often less direct and less concise than "shows the date". Use the continuous form only when emphasizing an ongoing or temporary display.

What does it mean when something "shows the date"?

It means that the item in question displays, indicates, or reveals the date. For instance, a digital display might "shows the date" of the last update.

In what contexts is "shows the date" commonly used?

"Shows the date" is commonly used in technical documentation, news reporting, and general descriptions where accurate date representation is important. Ludwig AI confirms this.