How to Write the Date in English

🎯 TLDR – Writing the Date Correctly

✅ Use the right format based on British, American, or ISO standards.
✅ Write months in full in formal writing.
✅ Be consistent when using numbers (DD/MM/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY).
✅ Check official requirements for business, legal, and academic writing.

📆 Date Formats Around the World

The format of the date varies by country. Here are the most common ways to write the date:

1️⃣ British English (UK, Australia, India, South Africa)

✅ Format: Day-Month-Year (DD-MM-YYYY)
✅ Example: 6 May 2019

📌 Note: The month is usually written in words to avoid confusion.

2️⃣ American English (USA, Philippines)

✅ Format: Month-Day-Year (MM-DD-YYYY)
✅ Example: May 6, 2019

📌 Note: A comma is used before the year in the long form.

3️⃣ ISO International Standard (Japan, China, Korea, Iran, Canada)

✅ Format: Year-Month-Day (YYYY-MM-DD)
✅ Example: 2019-05-06

📌 Note: This format is used in official documents and databases worldwide.

✍️ Writing the Date in Formal & Informal Contexts

📝 Formal Writing (Business, Legal, Academic)

• Always write the month in full.

• Use commas in American English (May 6, 2019).

• Use Day-Month-Year in British English (6 May 2019).

• Avoid abbreviations in official documents.

✅ Examples:
✔️ American English: August 16, 2023
✔️ British English: 16 August 2023

📌 Tip: In formal writing, use ordinal numbers only when writing the date in words:
✔️ The 14th of January 2018
❌ January 14th, 2018 (Incorrect in formal writing)

💬 Informal Writing (Texting, Social Media, Emails)

• Shorten the date using abbreviations or numbers.

• Use ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in casual writing.

• Months can be abbreviated (Jan, Feb, Mar, etc.).

✅ Examples:
✔️ See you on Aug 13!
✔️ Happy Birthday! Have an awesome June 15th!
✔️ The party is on the 30th of this month!

📊 Writing Dates Using Numbers Only

Different Ways to Write a Date in Numbers

📌 Tip: Always check which format is used in official documents or international communication.

📅 Using Ordinal Numbers in Dates

What Are Ordinal Numbers?

Ordinal numbers show order (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.) and are used in spoken English and casual writing.

✅ Examples:
✔️ March 1st
✔️ July 22nd
✔️ September 3rd

📌 Exception: 11, 12, 13 always take "th":
✔️ 11th, 12th, 13th (NOT 11st, 12nd, 13rd)

🗓️ Dates in Different Calendar Systems

📌 Tip: To convert dates between different calendars, use online date converters.

🔍 FAQ – Common Questions About Writing the Date

What is the correct way to write the date in formal writing?

✔️ British English: 16 May 2023
✔️ American English: May 16, 2023

When should I use ordinal numbers in dates?

Use ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) in informal writing and spoken English, but NOT in formal writing.

Is there a difference between British and American date formats?

Yes!

• British: Day-Month-Year (16 May 2023)

• American: Month-Day-Year (May 16, 2023)

What is the ISO date format?

The ISO 8601 format is YYYY-MM-DD (2023-05-16). It is used in international documents and databases.

How do you write dates in emails?

✔️ British: Wednesday, 16 May 2023
✔️ American: Wednesday, May 16, 2023

Can I use “st, nd, rd” in a formal letter?

No. In formal writing, use cardinal numbers:
✔️ August 16, 2023
❌ August 16th, 2023

How do you write dates in numbers?

Depends on the country!

• USA: 05/16/2023

• UK: 16/05/2023

• ISO: 2023-05-16

Do all countries use the Gregorian calendar?

No! Some countries use the Islamic, Hebrew, Chinese, Hindu, or Ethiopian calendar.

What is the most international way to write the date?

Use the ISO standard (YYYY-MM-DD), e.g., 2023-05-16.

How do I convert a date to another calendar?

Use online date converters to switch between calendars.