state the date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state the date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide a specific date for an event or deadline. Example: "Please state the date by which you will submit your report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This article has been amended to state the date of the attack on Baga.

The Economist

Grainy videos taken with mobile phones now include easily recognisable local landmarks, and the cameraman is careful to always state the date, time and location of the events being filmed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Charles Talcott, a jeweler who had been called upon to engrave the seal, recommended a simple and striking design with the name of the state, the date of its admission to the Union, and a bust of George Washington.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, the seller is required to state the date of the edition and the size of any prior edition, whether or not the work is numbered (and how) and if any excess casts (or proofs) have been produced and how they are numbered.

Huffington Post

The women were requested to state the date, their age, level of university education, own and parents' country of birth, sexual orientation and if they currently were in a stable relationship or not.

Human Reproduction

Five study reports [ 21- 232 33] 33] did not state the date of the data collection, three were published 1995, one was published 1998, and one was published in 1999.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He stated the date, read the charges and declared the verdict.

The New York Times

Chávez usually begins by stating the date and saying, "Aló Presidente!" then grinning and giving himself a round of applause.

The New York Times - Magazine

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the date for a Wayne Shorter 80th birthday celebration at Town Hall.

The New York Times

Some officials have publicly stated the date is a mere target and any force reduction will be purely symbolic, but the President himself is quoted as insisting on a firm timetable, because "I can't lose the whole Democratic Party".

Independent

Of the 105 participants, 47 stated the date of installation of their PV system.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting a date, use “state the date” in formal communications or documentation to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, in a contract, "Please "state the date" of commencement" leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using the past tense when requesting someone to provide the date. For instance, instead of saying "Please stated the date", always use the imperative form, "Please "state the date"."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "state the date" is an imperative phrase, used to issue a direct command or request. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is typically used when requesting specific information in a clear and concise manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

29%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "state the date" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase that asks someone to provide a specific date. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in Wiki, News & Media, and Science. While the phrase itself is neutral to formal, its usage is prevalent in official or documentation settings where clarity is essential. Alternatives such as "indicate the date" or "specify the date" can be used for nuanced emphasis. Remember to use the imperative form when making the request to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicate the date

Replaces "state" with "indicate", implying a more general form of showing the date.

specify the date

Replaces "state" with "specify", suggesting a more precise or detailed declaration of the date.

provide the date

Replaces "state" with "provide", focusing on the act of giving the date.

mention the date

Replaces "state" with "mention", implying a less formal or direct way of bringing up the date.

declare the date

Replaces "state" with "declare", suggesting a more formal or official announcement of the date.

disclose the date

Replaces "state" with "disclose", implying the revelation of a date that may not have been previously known.

announce the date

Replaces "state" with "announce", indicating a public or widespread notification of the date.

report the date

Replaces "state" with "report", suggesting the provision of the date as part of an official account or summary.

cite the date

Replaces "state" with "cite", implying the date is being referenced from a particular source.

divulge the date

Replaces "state" with "divulge", implying that the date was secret or private.

FAQs

What does "state the date" mean?

The phrase "state the date" means to clearly announce, declare, or provide the exact date of something. It's a direct way of asking for a specific date.

When is it appropriate to use "state the date"?

It's appropriate to use "state the date" in formal contexts, such as legal documents, official requests, or any situation where precision is required. It is similar to "specify the date" or "indicate the date".

Are there more formal alternatives to "state the date"?

While "state the date" is already quite formal, you could use phrases like "specify the date" or "provide the date" in even more formal settings. The goal is to clearly communicate the need for a specific date.

Is "state the date" the same as "what is the date"?

No, "state the date" is a request for someone to provide or declare the date, whereas "what is the date" is a direct question asking for the current date or a specific date if the context is clear. The first implies a needed action; the second, a request for information.