The Difference Between Up-to-Date and Up to Date

The Difference Between Up-to-Date and Up to Date

Up-to-Date vs. Up to Date: What’s the Difference?

These two phrases sound the same, but they mean different things. Let’s look at when to use “up-to-date” and “up to date.”

History

“Up-to-date” is used as one word when it started being used in the 1800s. “Up to date” was more common before that. Now, we see both forms with different uses.

How to Use Them

Up-to-Date

“Up-to-date” is an adjective. It means something is current or modern. You use it to describe nouns.

Examples:

• Our computers are up-to-date.
• The news on TV is up-to-date.
• Her knowledge of the subject is up-to-date.
• We need up-to-date information.
• The store has up-to-date products.

Up to Date

“Up to date” is a phrase. It means bringing something current. You use it with verbs like “bring” or “keep.”

Examples:

• Please bring the files up to date.
• Is your work up to date?
• I need to get my report up to date.
• The app is not up to date.
• We are working to keep the data up to date.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think about what you are trying to say:

• If you need to describe something, use “up-to-date.”
• If you’re talking about making or keeping something current, use “up to date.”

Summary

Use “up-to-date” to describe modern, current things. Use “up to date” when talking about making or keeping something current.