Words / B2

FAYZ/feɪz/

A phase is a stage in a process: the first phase, phase two, a phase of growth. Stage is everyday; step can be smaller; period is time without the “designed stage” sense. Phase out / phase in are phrasal verbs for gradual change. In speech, stage is enough. Do not call a two-minute pause a phase, and do not confuse it with faze (unsettle someone) — same sound for some speakers, different word.

Meaning

A stage in a process of change or development.

Examples

• “The project is still in the planning phase.”
• “The trial is still in the recruitment phase.”
• “Diesel vans will be phased out by 2030, which is the phrasal verb.”

Good to know

in the + adjective + phase; phase one / two. Everyday: stage. Phrasal: phase in / out. Mix-up: faze (unsettle). Not a tiny pause.

Near in meaning

stage

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