Telling the date in English

Dates are a fundamental part of communication, but the way they’re expressed in English can differ depending on where you are in the world. From the order of day, month, and year to the use of ordinal numbers and prepositions, these variations reflect cultural preferences and habits. Whether you’re in the United States, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere, understanding these differences can help you navigate conversations and writing with ease. Let’s explore the key ways dates are formatted and spoken in American and British English, along with some general tips that apply across the board.

American English

• Month-day-year: This is the most common format in the US.
  • Example: July 4th, 2024 (spoken as “July fourth, two thousand twenty-four” or sometimes “July fourth, twenty twenty-four”)
• You can also say: “The fourth of July, two thousand twenty-four”. Please note that we would capitalize “Fourth” here when the sentence is related to the Independence Day holiday in America. If speaking in general, we would not. Example: The Fourth of July is a big holiday in America.

British English (and many other countries)

• Day-month-year: This is the more common format outside the US.
  • Example: 4th July 2024 (spoken as “the fourth of July, two thousand twenty-four” or “the fourth of July, twenty twenty-four”)
• You can also say: “July the fourth, two thousand twenty-four.”

General points

• Ordinal numbers: When writing the day, we often use ordinal numbers (first, second, third, fourth, etc.). While you often say the ordinal, it’s becoming more common to just write the cardinal number (4 instead of 4th). Both are acceptable.
• Saying the year: For years in the 2000s, it’s common to say “twenty twenty-four” rather than “two thousand twenty-four,” though both are correct. For years like 1999, you’d usually say “nineteen ninety-nine.”
• Writing the year: When writing the year, you generally use all four digits.
• Prepositions: We often use the prepositions “on” or “in” with dates. “The meeting is on July 4th” or “My birthday is in July.”

More examples

No matter which format you use, clarity is key. If you’re unsure if your audience will understand, you might want to spell out the month. Also, make note that just because one way is British or American — it is a rule but not necessarily the norm. English rules and styles blur together and vary from one area to the next. People in the military in America often use different forms.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you say “July third” or “the third of July,” the way you express a date in English often comes down to regional conventions and personal preference. While American and British formats provide a clear framework, the lines between them can blur, especially in informal settings or diverse contexts like the military. The most important thing is to keep your audience in mind—opt for clarity by spelling out the month or adjusting your style as needed. No matter the format, a well-communicated date ensures everyone stays on the same page.