phase it out

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verb

   To gradually stop using or providing something, step by step rather than all at once.

   Grammar: The pronoun 'it' sits between 'phase' and 'out'; a full noun can go either after 'out' or before it.

   Patterns

   • phase it out
   • phase something out
   • phase out something

   The company will phase it out over the next two years.

   They decided to phase it out because so few people used the service.

   The old tax rule is being phased out slowly.

2. 2phrasephrasal verb

   To remove a product, system, or practice gradually until it no longer exists.

   Grammar: Often used in the passive: 'The model is being phased out.'

   Patterns

   • be phased out
   • phase it out by a date

   The paper ticket is being phased out in favor of a phone app.

   They phased it out by the end of the year.

Common combinations

phase out a product

The firm plans to phase out the product next spring.

phase out gradually

They phased it out gradually to avoid upsetting customers.

be phased out completely

Cheques will be phased out completely one day.

phase out over time

The subsidy will be phased out over time.

Synonyms and how they differ

discontinue

More abrupt and formal; it means stopping something, often at once, while 'phase out' stresses a slow, planned ending.

eliminate

Stronger and more final; it focuses on the result, whereas 'phase out' focuses on the gradual process.

wind down

Very close in meaning, but it often refers to reducing activity or operations rather than a product or rule.

Opposites

Word family

phase-out noun

The act of gradually stopping something, e.g. 'the phase-out of old coins'.

Commonly confused: phase it out or face it out?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “phase it out”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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