symbolic date for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "symbolic date for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a date that holds special significance or meaning, often in a cultural, historical, or personal context. Example: "The anniversary of the moon landing is a symbolic date for humanity's achievements in space exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The network planned the debate for Sept. 12, a symbolic date for Tea Party activists.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I don't think we should just summarily try to shoot for some symbolic date of Sept. 11 to get the intelligence part right," said Representative Tim Roemer, an Indiana Democrat who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee.

The New York Times

Bardot and Sachs married in Las Vegas on 14 July 1966, a highly symbolic date – Bastille Day – for a union between two high-profile celebrities from former warring countries, sealed with a priceless "tricolore" wedding ring, yet neither party seemed fully committed to the relationship, and they divorced in October 1969.

Independent

A senior foreign policy official lashed out at the "symbolic date -- June 22" for extension of the sanctions as evidence that Western leaders have little understanding of Russia.

Los Angeles Times

The UN's reason for naming a symbolic date as seven-billion day is to draw attention to the speed of population growth, with less than 13 years having passed between the six-billion and seven-billion milestones.

BBC

If 21st century historians will continue to regard 9/11 as a symbolic date, as a revealing accelerator of history, it will be less for the terror attacks themselves than for the American response.

The New York Times

"It's a symbolic date and I know that practically all the hostages were freed on symbolic dates". .

Vice

For anyone, especially a media or political leader, to use a murdered nine-year-old coincidentally born on a symbolic date to further their aims is disgusting and shameful.

Huffington Post

He even offered a highly symbolic target date for full independence, 2007 the 300th anniversary of the union between Scotland and England.This still looks unlikely.

The Economist

Village elders called the march to celebrate two symbolic dates in Algeria's fight for independence from its former colonial ruler, France.

The Guardian

In particular, for the Petri net fragments involved in conflict situations, symbolic dates assigned to tokens are calculated using a non-conventional (max;+) algebra based on the sequent calculus of Linear Logic.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "symbolic date for", ensure the context clearly explains why the date carries symbolic meaning. Provide specific details or historical background to enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of the date's significance.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience will automatically grasp the symbolism of a date. Clearly articulate the historical, cultural, or personal associations that make the date meaningful, rather than relying on vague or unsubstantiated claims of symbolism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "symbolic date for" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by a prepositional phrase. It is used to describe a date that has a deeper or representative meaning beyond its literal calendrical value, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "symbolic date for" is used to denote a specific day that holds significance beyond its literal representation on a calendar. It is grammatically correct and functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun with a preposition, as confirmed by Ludwig. While relatively rare in occurrence, it effectively conveys a deeper meaning associated with a date, often in news, scientific, or encyclopedic contexts. Alternatives include "significant date for" or "meaningful date for". To use the phrase effectively, always ensure the context clearly explains the symbolism to the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant date for

Replaces "symbolic" with "significant", emphasizing the importance rather than the representational aspect of the date.

meaningful date for

Substitutes "symbolic" with "meaningful", focusing on the inherent value or importance the date holds.

important date for

Uses "important" instead of "symbolic", highlighting the date's relevance and consequence.

noteworthy date for

Replaces "symbolic" with "noteworthy", drawing attention to the date's prominence or memorability.

remarkable date for

Emphasizes the unusual or outstanding nature of the date, replacing "symbolic" with "remarkable".

auspicious date for

Indicates the date is favorable or likely to bring success, changing "symbolic" to "auspicious".

historically significant date for

Adds "historically" to specify the source of the date's significance, clarifying the reason it is meaningful.

culturally significant date for

Similar to above, but specifies significance in relation to cultural impact

personally meaningful date for

Highlights that the date's meaning is derived from personal context, shifting the focus to individual experience.

memorable date for

Suggests that the date is easily remembered or worth remembering, changing "symbolic" to "memorable".

FAQs

What does "symbolic date for" mean?

A "symbolic date for" refers to a specific day that carries significant meaning or represents an idea, event, or concept beyond its literal place on the calendar. It often resonates with historical, cultural, or personal importance.

How can I use "symbolic date for" in a sentence?

You can use "symbolic date for" to highlight the deeper meaning behind a specific day, for example: "September 11th is a "symbolic date for" remembrance and national unity".

What are some alternatives to "symbolic date for"?

Alternatives include "significant date for", "meaningful date for", or "important date for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I determine if a date is truly a "symbolic date for" something?

A date becomes a "symbolic date for" something when it is widely recognized and associated with a particular event, idea, or value. This association often arises from historical events, cultural traditions, or significant personal experiences.