specific dates when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific dates when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular date or dates that have been chosen or are expected. For example: "We need to select specific dates when we can come together to discuss the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She declined to confirm the closing of the call centers, or to provide specific dates when employee cutbacks would take effect.

The New York Times

Bracke could not recall names or specific dates when Simpson approached her about cases.

Los Angeles Times

Unconcerned with specific dates when my boyfriend asked what day he should pack up the only life he's ever known to move across the country and into my apartment, I said, "Whenever".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The June 23 EU referendum gives a specific date when all the market's troubles could come to a head.

The Guardian - Business

The 23 June EU referendum gives a specific date when all the market's troubles could come to a head," he said.

The Guardian - Business

For maximal democratic legitimacy, however, the candidates should inform the voters before the election of the specific date when their planned shift of power will occur.

The New York Times

It means the earliest place where we can positively say this ancestor was physically present on a specific date when he personally created his earliest-known record.

The New York Times

While Michaelson acknowledged that the list could temporarily close, she added that there is no specific date when that might happen.

The Washington Post

Their period pieces have a timeless flavor (the company prefers to not give a specific date when the dramas are set).

The New York Times

The Trump administration has not given a specific date when it believes Treasury will run out of money, but the bipartisan CBO report is a widely respected estimate of when real trouble might occur.

The Washington Post

Quezon played a major role in obtaining Congress' passage in 1916 of the Jones Act, which pledged independence for the Philippines without giving a specific date when it would take effect.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specific dates when", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or action is associated with those dates. Providing additional information enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "specific dates when" in contexts where the specificity is already implied. For example, instead of saying "Please provide specific dates when the project will be completed", consider "Please provide the project's completion dates" for a more concise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific dates when" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, usually an event or action, clarifying the timing of that event. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in identifying particular points in time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specific dates when" is grammatically sound and used to provide precise temporal information, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While categorized as "Uncommon" in frequency, it is prevalent across various source types, including "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". Best practices involve ensuring the context clearly links the dates to a corresponding event or action, while avoiding redundancy by considering if the specificity is already implied. Alternative phrases such as "precise dates for when" and "exact dates on which" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specified dates on which

Synonymous with "specific", emphasizing that the dates have been detailed

precise dates for when

Emphasizes exactness of the date and time, adding a layer of accuracy.

exact dates on which

Highlights the accuracy and the event happening on those particular dates.

particular days when

Stresses the uniqueness of the days in question.

certain days that

Indicates that some days are being selected or distinguished.

designated times for

Shifts the focus to scheduled times rather than just dates.

scheduled days for

Focuses on the planning and scheduling aspect of the dates.

defined periods for

Uses "periods" to suggest a range of time, not just single dates.

individual dates upon which

Highlights the focus on separate and distinct dates.

stipulated times at which

Introduces a formal tone, implying a condition or requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "specific dates when" in a sentence?

You can use "specific dates when" to refer to particular points in time related to an event. For example: "We need to finalize the "specific dates when" the conference will be held".

What are some alternatives to using "specific dates when"?

Alternatives include "exact dates on which", "precise dates for when", or "particular days when", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use both "specific" and "dates" in the same phrase?

While "dates" inherently implies specificity, using "specific dates" can add emphasis or clarity, especially when contrasting with general timeframes. It is grammatically correct but consider if simpler alternatives like "scheduled days for" are more concise.

How does "specific dates when" differ from "general timeframe for"?

"Specific dates when" indicates a precise point in time, whereas "general timeframe for" refers to an approximate or broader period. For instance, "The deadline is on "specified dates on which"" versus "The deadline falls within a general timeframe for the end of the quarter".