Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
well dated
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "well dated" is not commonly used in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used to refer to something that has been accurately dated or is considered to be from a specific time period, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The archaeological findings were well dated, providing valuable insights into the civilization's timeline."
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
13 human-written examples
Material from that landslide is sandwiched between volcanic ash that has been well dated, Biek says.
Science & Research
The validation and prediction errors are considered satisfactory for collection surveys, which would enable the collection of relevant data in well dated and provenanced collections.
Science
On their own, these other sites provide little information about when humans mastered fire, because they represent shorter slices of time and most are not well dated.
Science & Research
To refine our interpretations we apply pollen preservation analysis and multivariate statistical analysis of this dataset with a large well dated fossil dataset from the same region.
Confident interpretation of well dated speleothem proxy records relies on modern monitoring programs, which we provided in three regionally different caves.
Science
It is an exceptional discovery due to the stratigraphical, paleontological and cultural context, which is well known and accurately well dated (Upper Pliocene Early Pleistocene).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
46 human-written examples
In addition to archaeointensity data from well-dated archaeological contexts, we obtained reliable archaeointensity results from poorly dated or contentious archaeometallurgical sites in the Southern Levant.
They were discovered in rock that was sandwiched between layers from two well-dated volcanic eruptions, which narrowed the fossils' date of origin to within a few tens of millions of years.
News & Media
Here, we take advantage of an extensive set of geochronological dates in combination with sedimentological data in well-dated stratigraphic units to resolve uncertainties on grain provenance.
Science
Other kinds of animal fossils suggest that the site is between 38 million and 39 million years old, as does paleomagnetic dating, which relies on a pattern of well-dated reversals in Earth's magnetic field recorded in sediments.
Science & Research
"They can actually make a good case that there is a consistent association between well-dated settlements, these geoglyphs that are notoriously hard to date, and astronomical phenomenon".
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "well dated", ensure the context clearly indicates the method or basis for the dating, especially in scientific or historical writing. For instance, specify "well dated using radiocarbon dating" for clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "well dated" as a generic term for 'old'. Instead, reserve it for situations where the dating process has been rigorous and reliable. Using alternatives like “old” or “ancient” may be better suited when you want to refer to antiquity in a less specific sense.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "well dated" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "well dated fossil"). It indicates that something has undergone a thorough and reliable dating process. Ludwig provides examples in scientific contexts.
Frequent in
Science
85%
News & Media
8%
Encyclopedias
7%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "well dated" is an adjective phrase used to describe something whose age has been accurately and reliably determined. It is most frequently used in scientific contexts, as indicated by the examples provided by Ludwig. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests it is not the most common phrase and may be better replaced by alternatives like "accurately dated" or "reliably dated" in some cases. When using "well dated", ensure clarity by specifying the dating method used. Avoid overgeneralization by reserving this phrase for situations where dating has been rigorous, not merely to describe something that is old.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
accurately dated
Focuses on the precision of the dating process, emphasizing accuracy.
reliably dated
Highlights the trustworthiness and dependability of the dating method.
precisely dated
Emphasizes the exactness and specificity of the date determination.
firmly dated
Indicates a strong and secure basis for the assigned date.
definitively dated
Suggests that the dating is conclusive and leaves little room for doubt.
chronologically established
Uses a more formal tone to indicate that the date has been determined within a timeline.
date-verified
Highlights the verification of the date through a reliable process.
time-stamped
Emphasizes that an accurate date is linked to the item in question.
date-confirmed
Suggests confirmation of a date through cross-referencing and checking.
securely dated
Focuses on the security and stability of the dating within a framework.
FAQs
How can I use "well dated" in a sentence?
You can use "well dated" to describe artifacts, fossils, or geological layers that have been accurately dated using scientific methods. For example: "The archaeological site contained "well dated" pottery shards."
What are some alternatives to using "well dated"?
Depending on the context, alternatives include "accurately dated", "reliably dated", or "precisely dated". The choice depends on which aspect of the dating process you want to emphasize.
Is it better to say "well dated" or "accurately dated"?
Both "well dated" and "accurately dated" are acceptable, but "accurately dated" might be preferred for its clarity and wider acceptance in formal writing. "Well dated" suggests a robust and reliable dating process, while "accurately dated" emphasizes the precision of the dating.
What does it mean for a historical artifact to be "well dated"?
For a historical artifact to be "well dated" means that its age has been determined with a high degree of confidence, often through the use of multiple dating methods or through comparison with other "well dated" finds.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested