they date from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they date from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the origin or time period of something, often in historical or archaeological contexts. Example: "The artifacts they date from the 12th century provide valuable insights into the culture of that era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They date from our first housewarming".

The New Yorker

They date from the Torrington byelection in 1958 and have been reviving and retiring ever since.

The Guardian - Opinion

They date from 1770 to 1850 when they fell into disuse.

The New Yorker

They date from the Archean era, more than three billion years ago.

The New York Times

Complete with parapets, posterns and ramparts, they date from the third century BC.

The Guardian - Travel

They date from medieval times to the industrial revolution, when the process was mechanised.

The Guardian

They're still going strong though they date from around 3,000m years ago.

The Guardian - Books

They date from 1000 to 1125, when Chaco civilization was at its height.

The New York Times

They date from the late 1950's and early 60's.

The New York Times - Arts

It is now thought that they date from the sixth or seventh century.

The New York Times

Her paintings look as if they date from way before the era they actually emerged from.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical artifacts or events, use "they date from" to provide context and establish a timeline for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "they date from" when referring to a singular subject. Ensure the subject is plural to maintain grammatical accuracy. For example, instead of saying "The artifact they date from..." say "The artifacts date from...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they date from" functions as a temporal indicator, specifying the period or origin of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its role in historical and archaeological contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they date from" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate the origin or time period of something, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. Alternatives like "they originate in" or "they come from" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to use this phrase with plural nouns and specify the relevant time period for clarity. With a neutral to formal register, it is suitable for professional communication and academic writing. Ludwig provides numerous examples highlighting its application in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they come from

A more general way of indicating origin, applicable to various contexts.

they originate in

Focuses on the place or source of origin rather than a specific time.

they are derived from

Emphasizes the process of obtaining or developing from a source.

they emerged in

Highlights the moment of appearance or rise of something.

they are traced back to

Highlights the act of discovering the origin through investigation.

they were created during

Specifies the period in which something was made or formed.

they have their roots in

Implies a deeper, more fundamental connection to the origin.

they belong to the era of

Connects something to a broader historical period.

their history begins in

Focuses on the start of something's historical timeline.

they were established in

Indicates the year of founding or creation.

FAQs

How can I use "they date from" in a sentence?

Use "they date from" to specify the time period or origin of multiple objects or events. For instance, "The documents "they date from" the 18th century provide insights into colonial life".

What's a good alternative to "they date from"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "they originate in", "they come from", or "they are derived from".

Is it correct to say "it dates from" instead of "they date from"?

Yes, but "it dates from" should be used when referring to a singular noun, whereas ""they date from"" is used for plural nouns. For example, "The manuscript it dates from the 16th century".

What information should I include when using the phrase "they date from"?

When using ""they date from"", specify the time period or event that marks the origin of the subject. For example, "The fossils "they date from" the Jurassic period are crucial to understanding dinosaur evolution".