being phased out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'being phased out' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is being slowly and gradually replaced by something else. For example, "The old computer system is being phased out in favor of the new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ten are being phased out.

The New York Times

It's now being phased out.

The New Yorker

Now these agreements are being phased out.

The Economist

So it is being phased out.

Columbia University

But that corn is being phased out.

The New York Times

However, Leap is now being phased out.

The Guardian - Business

This policy is now being phased out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Concessions were made: trapping is being phased out.

The Economist

The journalism major focused on magazines is being phased out.

The Washington Post

In line with current legislation, nuclear power is being phased out.

Energy Procedia

Annual limits on what plans will pay are being phased out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being phased out" when you want to emphasize a gradual process of elimination or replacement, rather than an immediate cessation.

Common error

Avoid using "being phased out" interchangeably with terms like "cancelled" or "stopped abruptly". The phrase specifically implies a gradual and planned process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being phased out" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes an ongoing process where something is gradually removed or replaced. As shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase indicates a transition from one state or item to another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being phased out" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe the gradual removal or replacement of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It's important to distinguish it from terms implying an immediate cessation, as "being phased out" specifically denotes a planned and gradual transition. As shown by Ludwig's examples, authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist frequently employ the phrase, primarily in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. Remember to use it when emphasizing a deliberate, step-by-step process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being discontinued

Emphasizes the cessation of production or use, focusing on the action of stopping something.

being gradually eliminated

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the removal process, stressing gradualness.

being superseded

Focuses on the replacement of something old with something new or better.

being replaced

Directly indicates that something is taking the place of something else.

becoming obsolete

Emphasizes that something is becoming outdated and no longer in use.

being withdrawn

Highlights the act of taking something away or removing it from circulation.

undergoing decommissioning

Specifically refers to the process of taking something (like a power plant) out of service.

being retired

Suggests that something is being taken out of service due to age or obsolescence, often used metaphorically.

being sunsetted

A more modern term implying a planned and scheduled end-of-life for a product or service.

being incrementally reduced

Focuses on the slow and measured reduction of something over time.

FAQs

How can I use "being phased out" in a sentence?

You can use "being phased out" to describe a process where something is gradually removed or replaced. For example, "The old technology is "being phased out" in favor of newer systems".

What's a more formal way to say "being phased out"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "being gradually eliminated" or "undergoing decommissioning". These alternatives can lend a more professional or technical feel.

Is "being phased out" the same as "being discontinued"?

While similar, "being phased out" implies a gradual process, whereas "being discontinued" suggests an immediate cessation. If the removal is step-by-step, "being phased out" is more accurate. But if the removal is sudden, "being discontinued" is more appropriate.

What are some common things that are often "being phased out"?

Common examples include outdated technologies, specific products, or certain policies. For instance, "Incandescent light bulbs are "being phased out" due to energy efficiency regulations".