to this date

USAGE SUMMARY

"to this date" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that has been consistent up to the present time. For example, "To this date, I have read every book in the series five times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Everything to this date is cleared".

The New York Times - Sports

"I hate Americans to this date.

The Guardian

"He's paid a pretty severe price up to this date.

The New York Times - Sports

I have taken certain steps prior to this date.

The New York Times

To this date, little has come of this promise.

The Guardian - Opinion

That sounds backward and to this date has not worked.

The New York Times

We accepted, but to this date have received nothing.

The Guardian - Money

To this date, 37,000 Americans troops are deployed along the border.

The New York Times

"The enormous sham consulting payments continue unabated to this date," Mr. Carr said.

The New York Times

"We stick to this date in talks with our American partners".

The New York Times

"To this date, he has done terrifically well and has had no side effects.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to this date" to emphasize the continuity of a situation or condition from a specific point in the past up to the present moment. Ensure the context clearly establishes the starting point for the period being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "to this date" when you're referring to a future event or a general trend without a specific starting point in the past. This phrase specifically anchors the situation to a past occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to this date" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the duration of an action or state up to the present moment. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical role, supported by examples showing it clarifying the timeframe of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to this date" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something has been true or ongoing from a specific point in the past until the present moment. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business communications. When writing, ensure the starting point of the timeframe is clearly established. Consider alternatives like "up until now" or "as of today" for subtle differences in emphasis. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for professional communication. Remember that while the phrase can be used very often, you can avoid using it for future events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to date

A shorter, slightly more formal version of the original phrase.

up to the present

Similar to "up until now", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the present moment.

up until now

Focuses on the duration leading to the present, implying a possible change in the future.

as of today

Highlights the current date as a reference point, often used in formal announcements or updates.

until the present time

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the action or state leading to the current moment.

thus far

Indicates progress or development up to the present, suggesting further continuation.

as yet

Implies that something is expected to happen in the future, contrasting with the current state.

hitherto

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative, best suited for historical or literary contexts.

in recent times

Refers to a more general period leading to the present, rather than a specific starting point.

previously

Focuses on past actions or states, without necessarily implying continuation to the present.

FAQs

How can I use "to this date" in a sentence?

You can use "to this date" to indicate that a certain situation or condition has persisted from a specific time in the past up to the present. For example, "To this date, the problem remains unresolved."

What are some alternatives to "to this date"?

Alternatives to "to this date" include "up until now", "as of today", or "thus far". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "to date" and "to this date"?

"To date" and "to this date" are largely interchangeable, with "to date" being a slightly more concise and potentially more formal option. The choice often comes down to personal preference.

Can "to this date" be used to refer to future events?

No, "to this date" should not be used to refer to future events. It specifically indicates a period extending from a point in the past up to the present. For future events, use phrases like "from now on" or "in the future".