use by date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use by date" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to the date by which a perishable item should be consumed or a product should be used for optimal quality. Example: Don't forget to check the use by date on the milk before you pour it in your cereal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Food Safety

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Too often, regulations stay on the statute books long after their use by date.

The Guardian - Opinion

The "use by date" assigned after the test was 9 February 2016.

The Guardian

Did you know you can freeze food right up to 24 hours before the use by date?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If the turkey is vacuum-packed and has a "use by" date, use that as a guide.

The New York Times

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning not to drink Bolthouse Carrot Juice with a "use by" date before Nov. 12.

The New York Times

In the meantime, parts of the system are rapidly approaching their use by date.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

You have a use-by date".

The Guardian

This view has passed its use-by date.

The Guardian

Milk is often good past its use-by date.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Food that is beyond its use-by date is 'composted'composted

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It makes ready meals on site from food approaching its use-by date, greatly cutting waste.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the "use by date" of food products, always check the packaging directly. Regulations vary by region, so don't assume a product is safe based on general knowledge.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "best before" and "sell by" dates indicate safety in the same way as a "use by date". "Use by" dates are related to safety, while "best before" dates usually refer to quality. Discard items after their "use by date", but items may still be safe to consume after the "best before" date.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use by date" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a deadline or expiration date for a product, primarily food, indicating when it is no longer safe or of acceptable quality to use. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

32%

Lifestyle

16%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "use by date" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase that specifies the date until which a product, particularly food, is safe and of optimal quality for use. It serves primarily to inform consumers and prevent potential health risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally accepted. While alternatives like "expiration date" and "best before date" exist, it's important to understand their subtle differences. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Lifestyle contexts. Remember to always check the packaging for the "use by date" and differentiate it from "best before" or "sell by" dates to ensure safety and quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expiration date

This alternative refers to the date beyond which a product is no longer safe or effective to use; emphasizes safety.

consume before

Directly advises consuming the product before a specified date, similar in meaning to "use by date".

best before date

This alternative suggests that the product's quality might decline after this date, but it's still safe to consume.

valid until

Emphasizes the validity or effectiveness of a product up to the specified date.

sell by date

This term indicates the date by which a store should sell the product; consumer usage may extend slightly beyond.

recommended last consumption date

A more formal and elaborate version of advising when to consume a product.

discard after

This phrase focuses on disposal post-date, shifting emphasis from use to removal.

peak freshness until

Indicates when the product will be at its freshest, suggesting a decline in quality thereafter.

shelf life

Indicates the length of time a product can be stored before it's unsuitable for use or consumption.

end of life

Metaphorically implies the product's usability concludes at a certain time, broader than just food.

FAQs

How do I properly interpret a "use by date" on food packaging?

The "use by date" indicates the last day the manufacturer recommends consuming the product for optimal quality and safety. It is crucial to adhere to this date, especially for perishable items, to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

What's the difference between "use by date", "sell by date", and "best before date"?

"Use by" indicates the last safe day to consume; "sell by" informs retailers when to remove items from shelves, but food may still be safe to eat for a short time afterward; and "best before" suggests when quality declines, but the item remains safe to consume.

Can I still use a product after its "use by date"?

It is generally not recommended to use a product after its "use by date", especially for perishable foods. Consuming items past this date can increase the risk of foodborne illness due to potential bacterial growth or spoilage.

Where can I find the "use by date" on a product?

The "use by date" is typically printed directly on the product packaging. Look for phrases like "use by", "expiration date", or "consume before" followed by a specific date. It is often found near the product's label or on the lid or bottom of the container.