# Spell out month names in dates (EK00046)

import { Aside, Badge } from '@astrojs/starlight/components';

Spelling out the month name — July 31, 2024 rather than 07/31/2024 — makes a date clear to every reader, whatever their region. EkLine flags dates that use a number for the month (rule EK00046) and suggests writing out the month name.

## Why spell out month names in documentation dates?

All-numeric dates are ambiguous across regions: `07/08/2024` reads as July 8 to some readers and August 7 to others. Spelling out the month removes that ambiguity and makes dates readable at a glance. A consistent, written-out month also matches the format most documentation style guides recommend.

## What EkLine flags

EK00046 detects a date written with a numeric month, such as the `MM/DD/YYYY` format.

- ❌ **Incorrect:** The trial ends on 07/31/2024.
- ✅ **Correct:** The trial ends on July 31, 2024.
- ❌ **Incorrect:** Support ended 12/25/2023.
- ✅ **Correct:** Support ended December 25, 2023.

## How to fix

Rewrite the date with the full month name, the day, and the year.

<Aside type="note">
For the full date convention EkLine recommends, see [EK00008](/reviewer/rules/date-format/).
</Aside>

## FAQ

### Why are all-numeric dates ambiguous?

A date like 07/08/2024 reads as July 8 to some readers and August 7 to others. Spelling out the month removes that ambiguity and makes the date readable at a glance.

### How should you write a date instead?

Write the full month name, the day, and the year — for example, July 31, 2024. For the full date convention EkLine recommends, see [EK00008](/reviewer/rules/date-format/).

## Rule details

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Rule ID | `EK00046` |
| Category | Sentences and phrases |
| Default severity | <Badge text="Error" variant="danger" /> |
| Enabled by default | Yes |

## Ignore this rule

To keep a numeric date on one line, add an inline comment with a reason:

```markdown
<!-- ekline-ignore-next-line EK00046 -- matches the log timestamp format -->
The entry is dated 07/31/2024.
```

To disable the rule across your project, add it to the `ignore` list in your [configuration file](/reviewer/configuration/ignoring-rules/#ignore).

## Related rules

- [EK00008](/reviewer/rules/date-format/) — Use the "January 01, 1970" date format
- [EK00045](/reviewer/rules/ordinal-dates/) — Avoid ordinal numbers in dates
- [EK00051](/reviewer/rules/american-number-format/) — Use American-style number formatting