How to talk about dates English

Dates — they're more than just numbers on a calendar. They're milestones, appointments, and historical markers. Especially in US English, the way we express dates holds significance in our daily communication.

Whether you're noting down an important meeting, recounting a special memory, or even just making casual plans with a friend, saying dates correctly is essential. This comprehensive guide will elucidate the different ways to convey dates in US English, ensuring you never miss a beat (or a date)!

Month-Day-Year (MDY) format

When Americans refer to a date, more often than not, they're using the Month-Day-Year format. Here, the month takes precedence, followed by the day and finally the year. And yes, don't forget that comma; it plays a crucial role.

Example: September 29, 2023

To read this aloud, you'd say, "September twenty-ninth, twenty twenty-three."

Day-Month-Year (DMY) format

Though not standard in the US, the Day-Month-Year format is the norm in numerous parts of the globe. When you start with the day, followed by the month and then the year, you're using this format. A word of caution: adopting this in the US might lead to some puzzled looks!

Example: 29 September 2023

Vocalizing this date should sound like "the twenty-ninth of September, twenty twenty-three."

Year-Month-Day (YMD) format

The Year-Month-Day format is a darling of computer systems and databases. It simply makes sorting chronologically a breeze. Beginning with the year, then the month, and lastly the day, this format often utilizes hyphens or periods as separators.

Example: 2023-09-29 or 2023.09.29

Articulating this date, you'd say, "twenty twenty-three, September twenty-ninth."

Abbreviations

If you're in a rush or prefer to keep things succinct, abbreviations are your best friend. Most months have a shortened form, and here they are:

• Jan. (January)
• Feb. (February)
• ... and the list continues till Dec. (December)

Example: Oct. 15, 2023

Speaking it out loud? Say "October fifteenth, twenty twenty-three."

Using "th," "st," "nd," and "rd"

When expressing dates, don't forget the ordinal endings! They give the day its rightful place:

• June 1st, 2023 becomes "June first, twenty twenty-three."
•  August 2nd, 2023 becomes “August second, twenty twenty-three."
• … and so on.

Years and decades

While stating the year, it's common to split it:

• The year 1990 sounds like "nineteen ninety."
• The year 2023 is pronounced "twenty twenty-three."

For the lovers of the '80s or those jamming to tunes of the 2020s:

• The 1980s is referred to as "the nineteen eighties."
• The 2020s becomes "the twenty twenties."

Holidays and special occasions

Special dates often have a unique ring to them:

• July 4th is better known as "the Fourth of July" or "Independence Day."
• ... and the list goes on with notable dates like Christmas and Halloween.

Expressing dates in US English might seem daunting, but with this guide at your disposal  it’s easily managed . Whether it's for professional use, academic purposes, or casual chats, knowing how to articulate dates can ensure clarity and precision. So, the next time a date pops up, you'll know just how to say it!