This template should be used when there is uncertainty about the timeframe of an article’s assertion. Typically, this applies to statements that do not specify a clear timeframe or are presented relative to the date the assertion was added (which may be unclear to future readers). It is generally unnecessary to use this template on frequently updated articles, such as those covering current events, as they are regularly revised.
Usage
This template should be used when there is uncertainty about the timeframe over which an article assertion is valid (lack of precise language). Typically, these might be assertions which do not make that timeframe clear or which characterize it in relation to the timeframe of the addition of the assertion to an article (the relative timeframe not being clear to a reader in the future).
It is probably not necessary to use this template on frequently edited articles such as for current events, as they will be being updated on a regular basis. Do not use this template within section heading markup (i.e., between the opening and closing == or == of a section heading), as it will break the heading.
{{Clarify timeframe|date=February 2026}}{{Clarify timeframe|reason=Your reason here.}}
Parameters
There are two optional named parameters:
|reason=– provide your own pop-up text (default: Clarify the applicable timeframe so that it is unambiguous when read at a later date.)|date=– month and year the template was added (default: none, but a bot will add it later if omitted)
Note: Substitution of this template will automatically fill the date parameter.
Effects
When the template is placed in an article, the phrase [timeframe?] appears in the text of the article at the indicated spot. The page will also appear in Category:Wikipedia articles in need of updating.
See Category:Wikipedia articles in need of updating for a list of pages currently needing updates
Tracking categories
Aliases
- {{Reltime}}
- {{Timeframe}}
- {{Timeframe?}}
TemplateData
TemplateData for Clarify timeframe
No description.
| Parameter | Description | Type | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month and year | date | Month and year tag added
| String | suggested |
| reason | reason | Reason
| Unknown | optional |
See also
{{Update}}can be used to mark an entire article or section needing to be updated. Like {{Update after}}, this template adds the article to Category:Wikipedia articles in need of updating.{{Update|inaccurate=y}}is used to mark an article whose factual accuracy may be compromised (although this may be disputed) due to out of date information. This template adds the article to Category:Articles with obsolete information.{{As of}}{{Show by date}}/{{subst:Show by}}{{When}}{{Time-context}}is the larger, article message version of this template.
