How to Write Dates in Standard American English
The correct way to write dates in Standard American English follows a specific set of rules. Following these rules ensures clarity, consistency, and adherence to the conventions of American English. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to writing dates accurately and stylistically.
Basic Date Format
The basic American English date format consists of three parts:
- Month: Written as a full word or abbreviated to three letters (e.g., March or Mar)
- Day: Written as a numeral (e.g., 15)
- Year: Written as a four-digit number (e.g., 2023)
The three parts are separated by commas or spaces. For example:
- March 15, 2023
- Mar 15, 2023
Commas vs. Spaces
The use of commas or spaces to separate date elements depends on the context.
- Commas: Use commas when the date appears in a sentence as a complete phrase.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023.- Spaces: Use spaces when the date appears in a table, list, or other non-sentence context.
| Date | Event |
| ----------- | -------- |
| Mar 15, 2023 | Meeting |Ordinal Numbers
Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) are used to indicate specific days of the month. They are written as superscripts and follow the day numeral.
The first day of spring is March 20th.Months with 31 Days
Months with 31 days (January, March, May, July, August, October, December) can be abbreviated to two letters.
Jan 15, 2023
Oct 31, 2023Months with 30 Days
Months with 30 days (April, June, September, November) are not typically abbreviated in Standard American English.
June 15, 2023
November 1, 2023February
February is always written in full or as "Feb". The use of "Feb." is preferred when space is limited.
February 14, 2023
Feb 14, 2023Centuries
Centuries are written as four-digit numbers. Do not use the abbreviation "c." or "C.E." with centuries.
The 21st century began in 2001.Historical Dates
When writing historical dates that occurred before 1000 AD, use the format "BCE" (Before the Common Era) or "BC" (Before Christ).
The Roman Empire fell in 476 BCE.Writing Dates with Time
When including time with a date, use a colon to separate the two.
The flight departs at 11:30 AM on March 15, 2023.Capitalization
The month and day are not capitalized in Standard American English. However, the year can be capitalized when it appears as the first word of a sentence.
Two thousand twenty-three is a leap year.Examples of Date Formats
Full Date Format:
- Friday, March 15, 2023
- Sunday, July 4, 1776
Standard Date Format with Commas:
- Mar 15, 2023
- Aug 29, 2022
Standard Date Format with Spaces:
- Mar 15 2023
- Nov 1 2023
Date Format with Ordinal Number:
- 4th of July
- 20th of January
Date Format with Century:
- 18th century
- 3rd millennium
Date Format with Time:
- 10:00 AM on Jan 1, 2023
- 12:30 PM on Apr 15, 2022
FAQ
Q: Why do we use commas in dates?
A: Commas are used to separate the three elements of a date (month, day, year) when it appears in a sentence as a complete phrase.
Q: Are spaces ever used in date formats?
A: Yes, spaces are used in date formats when the date appears in a table, list, or other non-sentence context.
Q: How do I write ordinal numbers in dates?
A: Ordinal numbers are written as superscripts and follow the day numeral. For example, the 15th of March is written as "Mar 15th".
Q: Can I abbreviate all months in dates?
A: No, only months with 31 days can be abbreviated to two letters.
Q: How do I write the year in a historical date?
A: For historical dates that occurred before 1000 AD, use "BCE" or "BC" after the year.
Q: Can I capitalize the year in a date?
A: You can capitalize the year if it appears as the first word of a sentence, but this is not required.
