In one embodiment, a method monitors input by a user using an application and detects a first input for a date in the application. A list of candidates is generated for the first input, the list of candidates listing the date in different formats that are possible based on the date. The method uses a space function to retrieve context for the first input, the context selected from information proximate to the first input within a threshold. Also, the method uses a time function to retrieve a history of selections, the history of selections being selected from one or more prior lists of candidates from prior inputs. The list of candidates is ranked based on a ranking function that uses the context and the history of selections to rank the list of candidates. A portion of the ranked list is output on the application for selection by the user.