the date of composition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the date of composition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the specific date on which a piece of work, such as a literary or musical composition, was created. Example: "The date of composition for this symphony is noted as 1824."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The date of composition?

The Guardian

There is also wide disagreement as to the date of composition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The date of composition is a matter of guesswork, as the play is entirely undocumented: no records of performance, no early quarto edition.

The Guardian

The date of composition for the core of early Epic Sanskrit is considered to be in the centuries just preceding the Common Era.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The date of composition is uncertain, and has been almost as hotly debated as the significance of the story since it was discovered among Wharton's papers… There is no place for "Beatrice Palmato" in the Library of America's two new volumes of Wharton's short stories; it is hardly more than a sketch, the most famous story that she never wrote.

The New Yorker

Although the date of composition is uncertain — the observation that "here in Florence, if you're not in with the ruling party... you can't even get a dog to bark at you" describes a long-term quandary — we know that the play was first put on in 1520, in a production so successful that Pope Leo X ordered a command performance at the papal court later that year.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

On the last page of "The Museum of Innocence," Pamuk reveals the dates of composition: 2001-2, 2003-8.

The New York Times - Books

The dates of composition, 1889 to 1891, look like a misprint, but they aren't.

The New Yorker

No manuscript of any of Shakespeare's plays survives, and there were substantial intervals between the dates of composition and the first printed versions, in which unauthorized variation clearly occurred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dates of composition used here are based on external and internal evidence, on general stylistic and thematic considerations, and on the observation that an output of no more than two plays a year seems to have been established in those periods when dating is rather clearer than others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dates of composition and even the number of Abelard's writings remain largely obscure and a matter of controversy among scholars.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical works or creative pieces, ensure that you provide specific details or context about the period to avoid ambiguity in "the date of composition".

Common error

Avoid using "the date of composition" without specifying the work you're referencing. Always clearly state what you're discussing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The date of composition functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It specifies a particular point in time related to the creation of a work. Ludwig confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the date of composition" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that refers to the specific time a work was created. While not extremely frequent, its presence in diverse sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, scientific publications, and wikis, underscores its broad applicability. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness and wide-ranging usage make it a valuable tool for providing context and historical perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

composition date

Omits "the" and "of" for a more concise expression.

time of creation

Replaces "composition" with a more general term, focusing on the act of creating.

year of origin

Specifies "year" instead of a more general "date", emphasizing the year in which something originated.

point of origination

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe the beginning or start.

genesis date

Employs "genesis" to refer to the origin or beginning, often used in a more figurative sense.

creation timestamp

Uses a technical term to refer to the exact moment something was created.

period of authorship

Focuses on the period during which the author created the work.

when it was written

Simplifies the phrase to a more conversational form.

age of the work

Frames the concept in terms of the work's age.

time of the work's production

Rephrases using "production" to highlight the making or manufacturing of something.

FAQs

How do I use "the date of composition" in a sentence?

Use "the date of composition" to specify when a particular work was created. For example: "The date of composition of this symphony is uncertain."

What are some alternatives to "the date of composition"?

Alternatives include "composition date", "time of creation", or "year of origin", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "date of composition" or "composition date"?

"Composition date" is a more concise way to express the same idea as "the date of composition" and is often preferred for its brevity. Both are grammatically correct.

Why is knowing "the date of composition" important?

Knowing "the date of composition" provides context for understanding the work's historical, cultural, and artistic significance.