How to Write Dates
Keep your dates short., Keep in mind that you can use two digits each for the month and day or just one., Use short and informal dates for fast communications., Write out the month but not the day for slightly more formal situations.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 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. -
Step 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. , This method works well in emails, memos, notes, and the like. , 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. -
Step 3: Use short and informal dates for fast communications.
-
Step 4: Write out the month but not the day for slightly more formal situations.
Detailed Guide
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.
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. , This method works well in emails, memos, notes, and the like. , 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.
About the Author
Deborah Roberts
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow crafts tutorials.
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