use date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use date" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It could potentially be used in a context where you are instructing someone to utilize a specific date, but it is ambiguous without additional information. Example: "Please use the date provided in the email for the meeting schedule."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I use date syrup here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First, customers should never use date of birth as a PIN or password.

The New York Times

Many carriages currently in use date from the late 1980s, and parts of them may be older than that.

The New York Times

But a pharmaceutical expert witness cited by lawyers for three death row prisoners argues the "beyond use date" for compounded preparations is usually much shorter under accepted scientific guidelines: 24 hours if it is stored at room temperature, and three days if it is kept refrigerated.

The Guardian

Under a modified carryover basis system, you use date of death values for a different purpose.

Forbes

Reports of marijuana use date back to the formation of the nation as it exists today.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Cannabis has been a useful medicine for centuries, with known use dating back to 4000BC in ancient China.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its use dates back at least to Babylonian civilization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The military has a long history of alcohol use, dating back long before my time.

The New York Times

Its use dates at least from 4000 bc in Chaldea, and perhaps earlier.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Use dates.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific date for action, clarify the context by using verbs like "specify", "enter", or "refer to" instead of the ambiguous "use". For example, say "Specify the date for submission" instead of "Use date for submission".

Common error

Avoid using "use date" without a clear context or verb indicating the action to be performed with the date. This phrase can be vague and lead to misinterpretation. Instead, provide a clear instruction such as "Enter the date" or "Refer to the date provided".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use date" primarily functions as an incomplete instruction, lacking a specific verb to clarify the intended action. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the phrase is not grammatically correct in standard written English due to its ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "use date" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered grammatically correct in standard written English due to its ambiguity. It's better to replace it with clearer alternatives like "specify the date", "enter the date", or "refer to the date", depending on the intended meaning. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, but its inherent lack of precision makes it less suitable for formal writing. Always provide sufficient context to ensure clarity when referring to dates.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilize date

Replaces "use" with a more formal synonym, providing a clearer instruction to employ a specific date.

employ date

Similar to "utilize date", it provides a more precise and formal way to express the action of using a date.

specify date

Focuses on indicating or naming a particular date for a specific purpose.

input date

Emphasizes entering a date, particularly in a digital or data-entry context.

indicate date

Stresses the act of showing or pointing out a date, often for reference.

mention date

Highlights the act of referring to or stating a date within a communication.

refer to date

Suggests directing attention to a specific date, often in documentation or discussion.

consider date

Implies evaluating or taking a date into account for a decision or process.

determine date

Focuses on the action of finding out or establishing a particular date.

define date

Emphasizes setting or establishing a specific date for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How can I use dates correctly in a sentence?

Always provide context when referring to dates. Instead of "use date", specify what action you want to perform with the date, such as "specify the date", "enter the date", or "refer to the date".

What's wrong with saying "use date"?

The phrase "use date" is ambiguous and lacks context. It doesn't clearly indicate what action should be performed with the date. Clearer alternatives include "specify date" or "enter date", depending on the intended meaning.

Are there formal alternatives to "use date"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "utilize date" or "employ date". These provide a more precise and professional tone compared to the vague "use date".

When is it okay to say "use date"?

While generally discouraged, "use date" might be acceptable in informal conversation where the context is implicitly understood. However, in formal writing, it's best to opt for clearer and more specific phrasing like "indicate date" or "consider date".