How To Write Dates In Words In English: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing dates in words, rather than numbers, adds a touch of formality and clarity to your communication. Whether you’re crafting a legal document, writing a formal letter, or simply trying to be precise, knowing how to correctly express dates in words is a valuable skill. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the rules, nuances, and best practices for writing dates in words in English. We’ll cover everything from the basics to more complex scenarios, ensuring you can confidently and accurately express any date.

Understanding the Basics: Day, Month, and Year

The foundation of writing dates in words lies in understanding the components: the day, the month, and the year. Each part requires a slightly different approach. Let’s break down the core elements.

Days of the Month: Ordinal Numbers

The day of the month is always written using an ordinal number. This means using words like “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and so on, instead of the cardinal numbers “one,” “two,” “three,” “four,” etc.

  • Examples:
    • 1st: First
    • 2nd: Second
    • 3rd: Third
    • 4th: Fourth
    • 21st: Twenty-first
    • 31st: Thirty-first

Note the use of hyphens in compound ordinal numbers (e.g., twenty-first).

Months of the Year: Simple Spelling

The months of the year are written in their standard word form, with the first letter capitalized.

  • Examples:
    • January
    • February
    • March
    • April
    • May
    • June
    • July
    • August
    • September
    • October
    • November
    • December

Years: Cardinal or Ordinal?

Years can be written in a few different ways. Traditionally, years are expressed using cardinal numbers, separated by commas for thousands and hundreds (e.g., one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine). However, in modern usage, especially for legal or formal documents, you might see years written as a combination of ordinal and cardinal numbers.

  • Examples:
    • 1999: Nineteen ninety-nine (most common)
    • 2024: Two thousand and twenty-four
    • 1776: Seventeen seventy-six (historic usage)

Formatting Dates: Common Date Writing Styles

The way you combine the day, month, and year creates different date writing styles. Several common formats exist, each with its own nuances.

The Day-Month-Year Format (British English)

This format is prevalent in British English and is often considered the more formal approach. The day comes first, followed by the month and then the year.

  • Example: 25th March 2023 (Twenty-fifth of March, two thousand and twenty-three)

The Month-Day-Year Format (American English)

This format, widely used in American English, places the month before the day.

  • Example: March 25th, 2023 (March twenty-fifth, two thousand and twenty-three)

Adding “Of” and “The”

In some cases, particularly in formal writing, you might include the word “of” and sometimes “the.” This adds an extra layer of formality.

  • Example: The twenty-fifth of March, two thousand and twenty-three.

Addressing Specific Date-Writing Challenges

While the basics are straightforward, certain situations require additional attention.

Writing Dates with “The” and “Of”

As mentioned above, in formal writing, the use of “the” and “of” is common. While not required, they enhance formality.

  • Example: Please submit your application by the fifteenth of October, two thousand and twenty-four.

Legal documents demand utmost precision. It is crucial to spell out the entire date to avoid ambiguity.

  • Example: This agreement is made this the twenty-second day of September, in the year two thousand and twenty-three.

Dates in Historical Context

When writing about historical events, consider the context and the prevalent style of the time. You might encounter older conventions, such as using the ordinal form for the year (e.g., the year one thousand and nine hundred and forty-five).

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Date Writing

Several common errors can undermine the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Incorrect Ordinal Numbers

The most frequent error is using the wrong ordinal number for the day. Double-check your ordinals, especially for days like “first,” “second,” and “third.”

Inconsistent Formatting

Maintain a consistent date format throughout your document. Switching between formats can confuse the reader.

Missing Commas

Pay attention to the placement of commas, especially when writing the year.

Using Abbreviations

Avoid abbreviations for months and days in formal writing. Always spell them out in full.

Practical Examples: Putting It All Together

Let’s look at some practical examples to solidify your understanding.

  • Example 1 (British English, formal): The first of January, two thousand and twenty-four.
  • Example 2 (American English, informal): July 4th, 2023
  • Example 3 (Legal Document): This contract is effective as of the tenth day of August, in the year two thousand and twenty-three.
  • Example 4 (Standard): 15th November 2023
  • Example 5: 20th December, 2024

Mastering Date Writing: Tips and Tricks

To become proficient in writing dates in words, practice is key.

  • Practice Regularly: Write dates in words frequently to reinforce the rules.
  • Consult Style Guides: Refer to style guides (like the AP Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style) for specific guidelines.
  • Proofread Carefully: Always proofread your work to catch any errors in ordinal numbers, formatting, or spelling.
  • Consider Your Audience: Tailor your date-writing style to your audience and the context of your writing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about writing dates in words, presented in a way that’s helpful.

What if the day is a single digit?

You still use the ordinal form. For example, the 1st is “first,” the 2nd is “second,” even if written as “the first of January.”

When should I use the day-month-year format versus the month-day-year format?

Generally, use the format preferred in your region. British English favors day-month-year, while American English prefers month-day-year. If writing for an international audience, consider clarifying the format.

Is it ever okay to use numerals instead of words?

Yes. In many contexts, using numerals for dates is perfectly acceptable, especially in less formal settings. However, formal documents and legal writing usually require dates to be written out in words.

How do I handle dates in email signatures?

In email signatures, it’s often acceptable to use numerals for dates to save space, but for the body of an email, follow the guidelines for your intended audience.

Are there any exceptions to the ordinal rule?

While rare, in some very informal contexts, you might see a day written as a cardinal number, but this is not standard practice. Always use the ordinal form in formal and professional writing.

Conclusion: Confidently Writing Dates in Words

Writing dates in words in English might seem simple, but mastering the nuances ensures clear and professional communication. By understanding the ordinal numbers, month spelling, year formats, and different styles, you can confidently express dates in any context. Remember to be consistent, proofread carefully, and adapt your style to your audience. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll become adept at this essential writing skill.