Definition:
as a noun, 'date' can refer to a specific day of the month or year, a social or romantic appointment, or the edible fruit of a palm tree.
Examples:
What's today's date? (calendrical context)
The expiration date on the milk is tomorrow. (calendrical context)
Their first date was at a coffee shop. (social/romantic context)
Are they dating or just friends? (social/romantic context)
Dates are a popular sweetener in many Middle Eastern dishes. (botanical context (referring to the fruit)
The date palm is widely cultivated for its edible fruit. (botanical context (referring to the fruit)
Tips:
The context in which 'date' is used will often make its intended meaning clear. For instance, in a romantic context, a 'date' refers to a social outing, while in a culinary context, it refers to the fruit.
'Date' can also be used in expressions like 'up to date' (meaning current) or 'out of date' (meaning old-fashioned or expired). It's essential to differentiate between the various contexts in which 'date' can be used to ensure clarity.
Definition:
verb is a part of speech that typically denotes some kind of action, possession, or occurrence and is often used as the predicate of a sentence or clause. To date can be used as a verb meaning 'to determine the age of something,' 'to discover the historical existence or origins of something,' or 'to express a relationship between two people.'
Rules:
To date can be used to refer to determining the age of something, usually a piece of work, object, or idea. This could refer to accurately estimating the age of something through contextual clues or finding out when something was made through research. It can also be used to refer to discovering the historical existence of something, such as an event or person. Additionally, it can be used to express a relationship between two people, often romantic in nature.
Examples:
1. We have been dating since January.
2. The bridge dates back to the 18th century.
3. cannot date the painting accurately.
Tips:
When used to express a relationship, 'date'should only be used when the relationship is going somewhere and not just an initial meeting or casual encounter. It is important to note the distinction between this usage and 'go on a date' which denotes an event meant to continue a relationship. Additionally, when using the verb to refer to historical origin or age, the preposition 'back' should typically accompany it.