some dates

USAGE SUMMARY

"some dates" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun phrase that can be used to refer to specific dates that are not specified or known. Example: "I have some dates available next week for our meeting. Would Tuesday or Friday work for you?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Throw out some dates".

The New York Times

Here are some dates to remember.

The New York Times

Some dates back a few decades.

The Guardian

"We got her some dates too".

The New York Times - Arts

He'd just done some dates with Tony Danza in Florida.

The New Yorker

So I carry some dates in my pockets.

The New Yorker

Normally it's just some oatmeal and maybe some dates.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Met should line up some dates now.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Let us consider some dates.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sure, he got some dates, but with the wrong people, he said.

The New York Times

Opening times 9.30am-6pm 9.30am-6pmdates in August).

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you are referring to food, and intend to use 'some dates' meaning the dried fruit, remember to include some context in order to make the meaning clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "some dates" when precision is required. Instead, provide specific dates or ranges to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some dates" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to an unspecified quantity of dates. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some dates" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to refer to an unspecified quantity of dates. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile expression applicable across various contexts, from offering options to discussing event schedules. While generally neutral in register, it is important to consider clarifying with specific dates when precision is required. Its prevalence in news media and general web content underscores its broad applicability. When used effectively, "some dates" provides a convenient way to discuss dates without needing to specify them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few dates

Implies a smaller, less specific number of dates than "some dates".

several dates

Suggests more than a few, but still not a large or indefinite number of dates, offering a slightly more formal tone.

certain dates

Highlights that specific dates are under consideration, rather than just any dates.

specific dates

Emphasizes the precise and particular nature of the dates being mentioned.

a selection of dates

Implies a deliberate choice or offering of dates from a larger pool.

a range of dates

Focuses on the spread or interval between the earliest and latest dates, rather than the dates themselves.

a couple of dates

Indicates a smaller quantity and an informal register.

various dates

Highlights the variety or diversity of dates involved.

particular dates

Similar to 'certain dates', it emphasizes that attention is directed toward specific dates of importance or interest.

a number of dates

More formal and less vague than "some dates", indicating an unspecified quantity greater than one.

FAQs

How can I use "some dates" in a sentence?

"Some dates" can be used to refer to unspecified dates, as in "I have some dates available for a meeting next week" or "The museum is closed on some dates in December".

What are some alternatives to "some dates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a few dates", "several dates", or "specific dates".

When is it appropriate to use "some dates" instead of specific dates?

Use "some dates" when the exact dates are not important or when you want to keep the information general. If the precise dates matter, always provide them.

Is it correct to say "some date" instead of "some dates"?

No, "some date" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts when you're referring to more than one date. You should use "some dates" to indicate a plurality of dates.