How to Write Dates Correctly
Following today's theme of popular dates, let's go over how to correctly format dates in writing.
If writing dates have you stymied at times, it is probably for one of two reasons. The first is that date formats vary from country to country, and we come across these different styles frequently in our reading. The second may be that you aren't quite sure how to write the date with commas.
We're here to set the record straight and get your dates all straightened out with examples to follow!
How to Write the Year
Years should be expressed as numerals except at the beginning of a sentence. Most style guides agree that beginning a sentence with a numeral is poor style, so years placed at the beginning of a sentence should be written out as words.
- The year 2020 was very challenging for many Americans.
- Nineteen twenty-two was the beginning of the Wimbledon games.
How to Write the Month and Day
When referring to a specific date in the month-day format, use cardinal numbers (one, two, three) rather than ordinal numbers (first, second, third.)
- Camryn was born on June 24.
Many people get confused about how to write dates with commas, so here is a rule of thumb: in the month-day-year format, place commas after the day and year.
- On June 24, 1998, Camryn was born.
- Camryn was born on the 24th of June.
- Earth, Wind & Fire released "September" on November 18, 1978, to wide success.
How to Write Dates with Days of the Week
When writing a long-format date, use a comma after days of the week to ensure readability.
- Monday, May 5, is my last day of work.
- How fortunate that the world did not end on Friday, December 21, 2010!
How to Write Centuries
When writing about whole centuries, do not use an apostrophe before s. Centuries are plurals, no possessives! For example, when you write the 1990s, you are referring to all the years from 1900 to 1999. Within that range are one hundred discrete years, so it isn't grammatically correct. You can also refer to those years collectively as the twentieth century.
- The 1900s were full of changes, both politically and socially.
- So many changes happened in the twentieth century.
How to Write Decades
Decades should be written as two-digit numbers with an apostrophe before them and an s after them. The apostrophe indicates where the two-century digits would be, had they been included. There is no need to put an apostrophe between the zero and the s–that would incorrectly indicate a possessive.
- In the '80s, my mom had very curly hair.
- In the eighties, my mom had very curly hair.
When in doubt, write it out!
Writing Dates as Numerals
All-numeral date styles should not be used in formal writing, but there are still some loopholes. When you do use them, be aware that not all countries express dates with numerals in the same way. It's better to be safe than sorry and use another method!
So many rules and so little time!
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