what date was that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what date was that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for clarification about a specific date related to a past event or conversation. Example: "I remember discussing the project timeline, but what date was that when we agreed to start?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

On what date was the report that the "president had received favorable treatment to enter the Texas Air National Guard" broadcast?

The New York Times

I think it'll reach a point where you'll be confused if you can't just ask any question out loud at home like, "How old is Barack Obama?" or "What date is Boxing Day?" That practice will soon become so normal that you'll be confused when you walk into someone else's apartment and can't just ask a question aloud and receive an answer.

Forbes

I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket, as they say, because that's what dating is, seeing what works for you.

Huffington Post

In London, everyone was so caught up in what the date was that no one knew the Thames Festival was happening.

Vice

First Republic reported the transaction to the Treasury Department as suspicious, but it's not clear what date that was.

Vice

What we have seen to date is that the need to prioritise often results in immediate concerns arising from such crises eclipsing those with longer-term consequences.

Globalization and Health

SCHWARTZ: And what was that date?

The New Yorker

What is absolutely fascinating about the 1966 date is that it apparently was a nonevent.

Forbes

The theme underlying these initiatives and in this literature to date is that "we know what works" and we now need to implement the interventions [ 6].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

What was that like?" No date has been announced for "Blood and Chrome's" online debut.

Huffington Post

"I don't know what the date is for release on that, though.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what date was that" to ask for clarification when a date has been mentioned previously but is unclear or forgotten. It's best suited for conversational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "what date was that" when no date has been previously mentioned. This can cause confusion. Instead, provide context or ask a more general question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what date was that" serves as an interrogative phrase used to seek clarification or confirmation regarding a specific date. This implies that the date has already been mentioned or is contextually understood. Since Ludwig has no examples, we cannot give specific context-based variations.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what date was that" functions as a simple yet effective way to ask for clarification or confirmation regarding a date that has already been mentioned or implied. While grammatically sound, its usage frequency and specific contexts are difficult to determine due to the lack of examples in Ludwig's database. Alternative phrasing includes inquiries like "What was the date again?" or "When did that happen?", with the choice depending on the specific context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's important to remember to contextualize your usage to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What was the date again?

Rephrases the question for clarity, focusing on recalling a previously mentioned date.

When did that happen?

Asks for the date of a specific event, assuming the event is already known.

On what day did that occur?

More formal phrasing for inquiring about the date of an event.

Can you remind me of the date?

Requests a reminder of a particular date.

What is the precise date of that?

Emphasizes the need for an exact date.

Could you specify the date, please?

A polite request for the specific date.

What date are you referring to?

Clarifies which date is being discussed.

Which date are we talking about?

Seeks confirmation on the date under discussion.

What's the date in question?

Inquires about the relevant date in a given context.

What exact date are we considering?

Focuses on identifying the specific date under consideration.

FAQs

How can I ask about a date if I don't remember it?

You can use phrases like "What date was that?", "When did that happen?", or "Can you remind me of the date?". The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person you're asking.

Is "what date was that" formal or informal?

The phrase "what date was that" is generally considered informal and is suitable for casual conversations. For a more formal setting, consider using "On what date did that occur?".

What's a more specific way to ask "what date was that"?

If you need an exact date, you could ask "What is the precise date of that?" or "Could you specify the date, please?". These options emphasize the need for accuracy.

Are there alternatives to "what date was that" if I'm unsure which date is being discussed?

Yes, you can use clarifying questions like "What date are you referring to?" or "Which date are we talking about?". These help ensure you're both on the same page.