that dates back to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that dates back to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that originated in the past, such as an event or tradition. Example sentence: The tradition of Easter egg hunts dates back to the early 19th century.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That dates back to 2012.

The New Yorker

That dates back to our founding political culture.

The New York Times

I was commenting very specifically on the right people have that dates back to our founding.

The New York Times

"They are surrounded by a part of history that dates back to the Bible.

The New York Times - Travel

Property registries are almost nonexistent in Greece, a curiosity that dates back to the Ottoman Empire.

The New York Times

Pole construction, Method of building that dates back to the Stone Age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The victim has an extensive criminal history that dates back to the age of 18.

The New York Times

TerraPower is a traveling-wave reactor, a design that dates back to the 1950s.

MIT Technology Review

It's a high-calorie culinary tradition that dates back to the captain's rookie year.

The Washington Post

It's part of a very long tradition that dates back to the founding of the country.

The Washington Post

Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski have "previous" that dates back to Talladega last spring.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that dates back to", ensure the subject you're referencing is clearly defined and the historical connection is relevant to the context. This provides clarity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that dates back to" for trivial or insignificant historical connections. The historical link should add meaningful context or understanding to the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that dates back to" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun, indicating the origin or historical period to which the noun relates. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for highlighting historical connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that dates back to" is a versatile tool for establishing historical context and indicating the origin of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting its broad applicability across different registers. The phrase's function is to provide a relative clause that modifies a noun, enriching the reader's understanding by linking the present to the past. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the historical connection is meaningful and adds value to the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be traced to

Stresses the ability to follow the development or history back to a specific point.

has its roots in

Emphasizes the foundational aspects and initial development.

originates from

Focuses on the point of origin rather than a span of time.

was established in

Highlights the founding or creation of something at a specific time.

is derived from

Highlights the process of obtaining or developing from a source.

is historically linked to

Highlights a historical connection, often broader than just origin.

emerged in

Focuses on the time period when something first appeared or came into existence.

hails from

Suggests a place or origin, often used for people or cultural phenomena.

is a product of

Indicates that something is the result or outcome of a particular period or influence.

is reminiscent of

Suggests a similarity or connection to something in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "that dates back to" in a sentence?

Use "that dates back to" to indicate the origin or historical roots of something. For example, "The tradition "that dates back to" the Roman Empire is still observed today".

What are some alternatives to "that dates back to"?

Alternatives include "originates from", "has its roots in", or "can be traced to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "that dates from" instead of "that dates back to"?

Yes, "that dates from" is a valid alternative. Both phrases indicate the time of origin, but "that dates back to" often implies a more continuous or traceable history.

What's the difference between "that dates back to" and "that originated in"?

"that originated in" emphasizes the place or event where something began, while ""that dates back to"" focuses on the timeframe from which something can be historically traced.