The way you write a date can vary depending on the occasion, the format you use and even by country. The length and style vary according to the formality of the occasion. If you are unsure of how to write dates in different styles and shapes, please see the information below.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Write Informal and Semi-Formal Dates
Step 1. Keep the dates short
When writing informally, the abbreviated form of a date will be fine. You can use hyphens or backslashes between dates, for example, 8-2-2011 or 8/2/2011.
Another alternative that is not used very often is to use periods or underscores, so sometimes you can see a date in the form of a code or file name. For example, 2.8.2011 or 2_8_2011
Step 2. Note that you can use two digits or just one for the month and day
Thus, you would write the date as 2011-02-08 or 8/2/2011. The extra digit before the two and eight helps to clarify the month; however, it is not necessary.
Step 3. Use short, informal dates for quick communications
This method works well for emails, circulars, notes, and similar documents.
Step 4. Write the month but not the day for more formal situations
For example, you would write August 2, 2011. This method works well for a resume and formal academic papers.
- Sometimes writers also add the day of the week, for example, "Saturday, August 2, 2011."
- Use this method in letters, more formal emails, essays, etc.
Method 2 of 2: Write Very Formal Dates and Remember Variations
Step 1. Write down all the numbers, including the month, for very formal events
For example, you would write "We request your presence on August 2 of the year two thousand and fourteen."
Step 2. Decide when a formal date is necessary
Formal dates are usually only necessary for formal letters or invitations, for example, for a wedding or graduation.
Step 3. Remember that other countries do not always write the date in the same way
For example, many English-speaking countries put the month first. Thus, for August 2, 2011, they would write “2/8/2011”.