Understanding how to correctly write the date in English is important for anyone learning the language, especially for students, travelers, professionals, or those writing formal documents. English has specific rules for expressing the date, and these rules can slightly differ depending on whether you are following American English or British English. Knowing how to put the date in English will help improve communication, especially in writing letters, filling out forms, or organizing documents. In this guide, we will explore the structure, differences, and common usage of dates in English, using clear examples and easy explanations.
Basic Components of a Date in English
A full date in English is usually made up of three parts: the day, the month, and the year. However, the order in which these elements appear can vary between British and American English.
- Day: The number of the day in the month (e.g., 5, 12, 23).
- Month: The name of the month (e.g., January, March, October).
- Year: The four-digit year (e.g., 2023, 1995).
Writing the Date in British English
Structure: Day Month Year
In British English, the typical format follows this order:
12 March 2025or12th March 2025
It is common in British English to write the day before the month. The suffix -th is optional in most cases but is often used in informal writing. In official writing, the date is often written without the suffix.
Examples:
- 3rd April 2024
- 15 June 2020
- 21st December 2022
In spoken English, people often say the third of April or the twenty-first of December.
Writing the Date in American English
Structure: Month Day Year
In American English, the structure is different. The month comes first, followed by the day, and then the year:
March 12, 2025
Notice the use of a comma after the day in American English. This comma is important in formal writing, especially in business or official documents.
Examples:
- April 3, 2024
- June 15, 2020
- December 21, 2022
When speaking in American English, people say March twelfth or April third.
Ordinal Numbers in Dates
What Are Ordinal Numbers?
Ordinal numbers are used to indicate position or order. In dates, they are often used to describe the day of the month.
- 1st First
- 2nd Second
- 3rd Third
- 4th Fourth
- 5th Fifth
- 21st Twenty-first
- 31st Thirty-first
In writing, ordinal numbers can be written with the suffix (1st, 2nd, 3rd), but it is also acceptable to simply use the number (1, 2, 3) in most cases, especially in formal writing.
Using Prepositions with Dates
When writing or speaking about dates, prepositions are often used to add clarity. Here are the most common:
- On: Used before a specific date. Example: The meeting is on March 12.
- In: Used before a month or year. Example: She was born in July. or He graduated in 2018.
- By: Used to mean before a certain date. Example: Please submit the form by April 15.
Abbreviating Dates in English
British Format: DD/MM/YYYY
Example: 12/03/2025 (March 12, 2025)
American Format: MM/DD/YYYY
Example: 03/12/2025 (March 12, 2025)
This difference in date format can lead to confusion, especially with dates like 03/04/2025. In the UK, this means 3rd April, while in the US it means March 4. It’s best to spell out the month to avoid confusion.
Writing Dates in Formal Letters
When writing a letter or document in English, the date is typically placed at the top of the page. The format depends on whether you are using American or British conventions.
Examples:
British: 21 July 2025
American: July 21, 2025
Saying the Date in English
British English:
The twelfth of March, twenty twenty-five
American English:
March twelfth, twenty twenty-five
Both forms are correct; they just reflect regional differences in how the date is spoken.
Tips for Remembering Date Formats
- Think about the audience. If you’re writing for an American company, use the American format (Month-Day-Year).
- When in doubt, spell out the month to avoid confusion.
- Practice both formats to become familiar with their use in reading and writing.
- Always use a comma in American English between the day and the year.
- Use ordinal numbers when speaking, but write dates as plain numbers in formal documents unless informal style is intended.
Common Mistakes When Writing Dates
- Mixing formats: Using daymonthyear in one place and monthdayyear in another can confuse readers.
- Wrong punctuation: Forgetting the comma in American dates is a frequent mistake.
- Using ordinal numbers incorrectly: Writing March 12th, 2025 is considered less formal than March 12, 2025.
- Assuming universal understanding: Some people think their way of writing the date is globally accepted. Always check the regional preference when writing internationally.
Knowing how to write and say the date correctly in English is a practical skill that helps in personal, academic, and professional settings. Whether you are writing an email, a formal letter, or filling out a form, being clear and accurate with dates is essential. British English and American English use slightly different formats, but both are widely recognized once you understand their rules. By learning how to structure and express dates correctly, you enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English across various contexts.