phase
To carry out or plan a process in stages rather than all at once. It is most frequently used as a phrasal verb to describe the gradual introduction or withdrawal of something.
Examples
3 of 5The town will phase in the new parking regulations over the summer months.
The town will gradually introduce the new parking regulations over the summer months.
The government intends to phase the implementation of the tax reform to minimize economic shock.
The government intends to arrange the implementation of the tax reform in stages to minimize economic shock.
I'm trying to phase out sugary snacks from my diet this week.
I'm trying to gradually remove sugary snacks from my diet this week.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'phases of the moon'. The moon doesn't become full instantly; it happens in gradual steps, just like 'phasing' a project.
Quick Quiz
The company decided to _______ out the old uniforms over the next six months.
Correct!
The correct answer is: phase
Examples
The town will phase in the new parking regulations over the summer months.
everydayThe town will gradually introduce the new parking regulations over the summer months.
The government intends to phase the implementation of the tax reform to minimize economic shock.
formalThe government intends to arrange the implementation of the tax reform in stages to minimize economic shock.
I'm trying to phase out sugary snacks from my diet this week.
informalI'm trying to gradually remove sugary snacks from my diet this week.
The researchers phased the introduction of the variable to monitor incremental changes.
academicThe researchers introduced the variable in stages to monitor incremental changes.
We will phase out the legacy software as we transition all clients to the cloud platform.
businessWe will gradually stop using the old software as we transition all clients to the cloud platform.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
phase in/out
to gradually start or stop using something
in phases
happening in separate stages
phased implementation
the act of putting a plan into effect in steps
Often Confused With
'Faze' means to disturb or disconcert someone, while 'phase' refers to stages of a process.
'Face' means to look toward or deal with a situation, though they sound slightly similar.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'phase' is almost always transitive and frequently paired with the particles 'in' or 'out'. It is common in technical, corporate, and policy-making contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'phase' without the required prepositions 'in' or 'out' when they mean to introduce or remove something. They also frequently confuse the spelling with 'faze'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'phases of the moon'. The moon doesn't become full instantly; it happens in gradual steps, just like 'phasing' a project.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'phasis', meaning 'appearance' or 'manifestation', originally referring to the aspects of planets or the moon.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking corporate culture, 'phasing out' is a common euphemism for discontinued products or job roles.
Quick Quiz
The company decided to _______ out the old uniforms over the next six months.
Correct!
The correct answer is: phase
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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