the date on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the date on which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an additional clause containing further information about a date. For example: "The date on which the contract was signed was April 15, 2020."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

16h, the date on which the State Dept.

The New Yorker

The date on which it appeared.

The Guardian

identifies the date on which such information was generated.

Cornell University

(5) The date on which an electronic transmission occurs.

Cornell University

(2) The date on which each alleged violation occurred.

Cornell University

the date on which he completes 1 year of service.

Cornell University

The date on which the fund began its operations.

The Washington Post

L. 115 232, § 591(a), substituted "on the date on which" for "not later than 45 days after the date on which" in introductory provisions.

Cornell University

Few could name the date on which the 26 counties regained their independence from Britain.

The Guardian - Books

Each drawing is untitled, identified only by the date on which she made it.

The New York Times - Arts

The first uncertainty is the date on which exit negotiations will start.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the date on which" in formal contexts where clarity and precision are crucial, such as legal documents, academic papers, or official reports.

Common error

Avoid using "the date on which" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "when" or "the day that" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the date on which" functions as a relative adverbial phrase introducing a relative clause that modifies a noun (usually a date) by providing additional information or specification about it. Ludwig AI states that this phrase is suitable for introducing additional information about a date.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the date on which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, predominantly in formal writing such as academic papers, news articles, and legal documents. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for introducing clauses that elaborate on a particular date. While versatile, it is best reserved for contexts demanding precision and clarity, with simpler alternatives like "when" or "the day that" being more suitable for informal communication. Its frequent use across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the day that

Replaces "on which" with "that" for a slightly less formal tone.

when

Uses a single word to indicate the time something happens, simplifying the structure.

the occasion when

Emphasizes the event-like nature of the date.

the specific date of

Highlights the precision and exactness of the date being referred to.

the point in time that

Replaces "date" with a more generic phrase.

the moment that

Similar to "when", but emphasizes a brief period.

the timeframe in which

Indicates a longer duration related to the date.

the period when

Refers to the date as belonging to an epoch, often used for historical events.

the appointed day for

Used when the date is prearranged or officially set.

the due date of

Specifically used when the date indicates a deadline or expected completion.

FAQs

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

Use "the date on which" to introduce a clause that provides more information about a specific date. For example: "The contract specifies "the date on which" the project must be completed."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the day that", or "when" for a simpler expression.

Is "the date on which" suitable for informal writing?

No, "the date on which" is generally considered formal. In informal contexts, it's better to use simpler alternatives like "when" or "the day that".

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

"The date on which" is a more formal and precise way to specify a date, while "when" is a more general and informal term. Use "the date on which" for legal, academic, or official writing, and "when" for casual or informal writing.