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Grammar fix

phase out

gradually stop using

To slowly stop using or producing something over a period of time, rather than all at once.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The company plans to phase out single-use plastics by next year.work
  • Many countries are trying to phase out coal power in order to reduce pollution.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: phase out [object]

WrongThey will phase out of the old system.

RightThey will phase out the old system.

'Phase out' takes the thing directly — no 'of'.

Patternphase out [object]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The factory will incrementally discontinue the use of these machines.

Natural They're phasing out the old machines.

'Incrementally discontinue the use of' is jargon; 'phase out' is plain.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • phase out
    phase outgraduallyphase out plasticbe phased out

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'cut out', which often means to stop something immediately.

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