Date: on the vs. the

Question

When is your birthdate?A.  It's on the 24th of January, 1990.B.  It's the 24th of January, 1990.C.  It's January the 24th, 1990.D.  It's January 24th, 1990.1.  In spoken English, which of the above is/are the correct response(s)?2.  If two or more are acceptable, which is/are used in American English?  British English?3.  Do you think A and B are more formal than C and D?4.  Can I also simply say either E or F below as a short answer in casual spoken English?E.  24th of January, 1990F.  The 24th of January, 1990Please advise.  I would really appreciate your help.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

First, consider this.

If someone asked me 'When is your birthday?', I'd answer 'The 24th of January'. ie I'd tell them the day and month that my birthday occurs on, every year.

But if someone asked me 'When were you born?' or 'What's your date of birth?', I'd include the year.

'When is your birthdate?' is less common than' When is your date of birth?'

When is your birthdate?
A. It's on the 24th of January, 1990.

B. It's the 24th of January, 1990.

C. It's January the 24th, 1990.

D. It's January 24th, 1990.

1. In spoken English, which of the above is/are the correct response(s)? They are all OK.

2. If two or more are acceptable, which is/are used in American English? I don't know. British English? All OK, I think.

3. Do you think A and B are more formal than C and D? No.

4. Can I also simply say either E or F below as a short answer in casual spoken English? Yes, especially F.

E. 24th of January, 1990

F. The 24th of January, 1990

Please advise. I would really appreciate your help.

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, Clive, for the explanation. I find it really helpful.

This is clear to me now.

Date: on the vs. the

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬