start date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the date when a particular activity, event, or job begins. For example: "The start date for the new project is April 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Start date flexible.

Harvard University

Start date no ealrier than June 1.

Princeton University

Start date no earlier than June 1.

Princeton University

Trial start date: November 11th 2013.

BMC Psychiatry

Start date was start of documentation.

BMC Psychiatry

Business start date and closing month of accounting year.

WikiHow

Length of employment - Start date and end date.

WikiHow

So a summer start date is crucial.

Independent

Registration closes two weeks after start date.

The New York Times

His reported start date is Aug. 1.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Or, recognizing employees' start-date anniversaries?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a "start date", always clarify the time zone if the context involves individuals in different locations to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using ambiguous date formats like "1/2/2025" which can be interpreted differently in various regions. Instead, write the date out fully (January 2, 2025) or use a universally recognized format (2025-01-02).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start date" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the point in time at which an activity or event begins, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples like "Trial start date: November 11th 2013."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

31%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start date" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to indicate the beginning of an event, project, or period. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts including academia, news media, and science. The most common usage involves specifying the date when something is scheduled to begin. For clarity, include the year, month and day and avoid ambiguous date formats. Consider alternatives such as "commencement date" or "launch date" depending on the specific context. Ensure clear communication by specifying time zones when applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Commencement date

Formal alternative that emphasizes the initiation or beginning.

Beginning date

Simple alternative highlighting the initial day.

Inception date

Focuses on the establishment or founding of something.

Launch date

Commonly used for projects or products being introduced.

Effective date

Refers to when a policy, rule, or agreement comes into force.

Start time

Specifies not just the date, but also the hour of commencement.

Kick-off date

Informal way to indicate the beginning of a project or initiative.

Go-live date

Used when a system or service becomes operational.

Commencement of activities

Expands the phrase to include the broader beginning of actions.

Opening day

Typically used for events, businesses, or establishments starting operations.

FAQs

How do I use "start date" in a sentence?

You can use "start date" to specify when something begins. For example, "The project's "start date" is next Monday." or "Please confirm your preferred "start date"."

What's an alternative to using "start date"?

Alternatives include "commencement date", "beginning date", or "launch date" depending on the context.

What information should I include when specifying a "start date"?

Include the year, month, and day. Depending on the context, also specify the time and time zone to avoid confusion.

Is it ever acceptable to omit the year when providing a "start date"?

Only if the context makes it absolutely clear which year is being referenced. If there's any ambiguity, always include the year.