the date at which

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific date, for example: "We need to decide on the date at which the conference will take place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In other words, the date at which English history is often said to begin is actually the date at which England was colonised.

The Guardian - Books

I don't know the date at which he first had the result.

Princeton University

That, of course, will accelerate the date at which the government will run out of cash.

The New York Times

There will be a review of the date at which the state pension age should rise to 66.

The Guardian

In those circumstances, the City would bring forward the date at which it expects rates to start rising.

The Guardian - Business

Advances in extraction technology have continually pushed back the date at which petroleum reserves are expected to be depleted.

MIT Technology Review

Reversal of the conspiracy conviction has rendered uncertain the date at which the sentences here imposed would begin.

Cornell University

Ray Kurzweil, the futurist and director of engineering at Google, has set the date at which machine intelligence will exceed human intelligence as 2045.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But it would substantially move up the date at which Social Security would run through its store of bonds and become completely reliant on payroll tax revenue.

The New York Times

Later in life, they would delay the date at which they begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits to make up for the amount withdrawn during their leave.

The Washington Post

Partly as a result, since 1997 the agency has pushed back, by 13 years, the date at which it projects its reserves will be exhausted.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the date at which", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or condition makes that date significant. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "the date at which" can sometimes sound overly formal. In many contexts, simpler alternatives like "when" or "the day that" are perfectly acceptable and may improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the date at which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (date) by providing further specification. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in various sentences, providing specific information about when an event occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the date at which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to specify a particular point in time related to an event or condition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While perfectly acceptable, it leans toward the formal side, so consider simpler alternatives like "when" in more informal settings. The phrase's primary function is to provide clarity and precision, as shown by the numerous examples demonstrating various nuances of its use. Remember to always contextualize your sentences clearly when incorporating "the date at which" to ensure optimal understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the point in time when

Replaces "date" with a more general term "point in time" and uses "when" instead of "at which".

the day on which

Offers a slightly more formal variation using "on which" instead of "at which".

the moment when

Substitutes "date" with "moment", emphasizing a specific instant.

the specific date that

Adds emphasis by specifying "specific date" and uses "that" instead of "at which".

the day that

Simplifies the phrase by using "day" instead of "date" and "that" instead of "at which".

the occasion when

Replaces "date" with "occasion", indicating a particular event.

the time when

Uses the broader term "time" instead of "date", making it less specific.

when

A very concise alternative, omitting "the date" entirely.

the appointed date

Replaces the relative clause with an adjective to describe the date.

the time of

Generalizes the phrase to refer to a period or instance, not necessarily a specific date.

FAQs

How can I use "the date at which" in a sentence?

Use "the date at which" to specify a particular point in time related to an event or condition. For example, "The contract specifies the date at which the agreement expires."

What are some alternatives to "the date at which"?

You can use alternatives like "the point in time when", "the moment when", or "when" depending on the level of formality required.

Is "the date at which" formal or informal?

"The date at which" leans towards the formal side. In less formal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "the day that" or simply "when".

What's the difference between "the date at which" and "on which"?

"The date at which" specifies a particular date, whereas "on which" can refer more broadly to a condition or event. While similar, "the date at which" is more precise for indicating a specific point in time related to an action.