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How to Write Dates

Two Methods:Writing Informal and Semi-Formal DatesWriting Very Formal Dates and Remembering VariationsCommunity Q&A

How you write the date can vary by the occasion, the format you’re using, and even by country. The length and style varies by how formal the occasion is. If you’re unsure how to write dates in different styles and settings, see the information below.

Method 1
Writing Informal and Semi-Formal Dates

  1. 1
    Keep your dates short. When writing informally, shortened forms of the date are fine. You can use dashes or backslashes between the date, like so: 8-2-2011 or 8/2/2011.
    • Another alternative that isn’t used as often is using periods or underscores, sometimes done in coding or file names. For example: 8.2.2011 or 8_2_2011.
  2. 2
    Keep in mind that you can use two digits each for the month and day or just one. This would be written either as 08/02/2011 or as 8/2/2011. The extra digit in front of the eight and two does help clarify the month, but it’s not necessary.
  3. 3
    Use short and informal dates for fast communications. This method works well in emails, memos, notes, and the like.
  4. 4
    Write out the month but not the day for slightly more formal situations. For example, you would write: August 2, 2011. This method works fine for resumes and formal academic papers.
    • Sometimes, writers add in the day of the week as well “Saturday, August 2, 2011.”
    • Use this method on letters, more formal emails, essays, and so on.

Method 2
Writing Very Formal Dates and Remembering Variations

  1. 1
    Write out all the numbers, as well as the month for very formal events. For instance, you would write out “We request your presence on the second of August in the year two-thousand and fourteen.”
  2. 2
    Decide when a formal date is needed. Formal dates are generally only needed for formal invitations or letters, such as for a wedding or graduation.
  3. 3
    Remember that other countries don’t always write the date the same way. For instance, many European countries put the day first. So for August 2, 2011, they would write “2/8/2011” or “2 August 2011.”
    • The Big Endian method is used in some Asian countries, and it puts the year first: “2011 August 2.”

Community Q&A

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  • When writing the date, keep your audience in mind. That is, think about whether you’re writing for an international audience or just North Americans. Think about the level of formality you need. Those two questions should help you choose which type of date to use.

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Categories: Writing


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