What date is it? ?

The correct answer to the question "What date is it?" is option D: "March the third." This choice adheres to standard English conventions for expressing dates in a clear and grammatically correct manner.

Firstly, option D follows the common structure in American and British English of placing the month before the day, which is typically the format used in speech and writing. Saying "March the third" effectively communicates the information without additional unnecessary words, which can drift into awkward phrasing.

In contrast, option A ("The third of March") and option B ("The third March") are also grammatically correct but have different connotations. While "The third of March" is commonly used, it feels more formal and is often reserved for written contexts. Option B introduces an awkwardness ("the third March"), as it does not follow conventional naming practices for dates.

Option C, "Of March the third," is an incorrect structure in English, as it does not follow the typical syntax we use to describe dates, making it unintelligible and confusing.

Overall, option D is the most straightforward and idiomatic method to express the date, allowing for clear communication.