phase by phase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "phase by phase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process that is carried out in stages or steps, emphasizing a gradual progression. Example: "We will implement the new system phase by phase to ensure a smooth transition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Bit by bit, though, phase by phase, their possession game stifled Algeria.

The Guardian - Sport

She recalls her musical journey phase by phase, beginning with her childhood in the Sonoran desert.

The New York Times - Arts

The late, great Dilla samples Bowie's "Soul Love" and Peter Baumann's "Phase by Phase".

Independent

They are disenrolled, phase by phase, as the instruction becomes more complex.

The New York Times

As a public service, here is a trove of insults that can be adapted phase by phase as the campaign careens to its bitter end in November.

The New York Times

The rendezvous and docking mission is usually divided into several phases, and the mission planning is performed phase by phase.

Acta Astronautica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr. Arafat is the leader of a Palestinian movement that sees "peace now" as a step toward the phase-by-phase elimination of Israel.

The New York Times

Based on the Broadmoor recovery experience, the document provides a phase-by-phase analysis of the planning and implementation process for neighborhood redevelopment.

Harvard University

"They undoubtedly see this as the first stage in a phase-by-phase, step-by-step simultaneous approach leading to denuclearization," said Joel Wit, a former State Department official who helped negotiate a 1994 nuclear agreement with North Korea.

The Washington Post

A rehabilitation protocol for improving muscle strength must follow phase-by-phase the ligamentization process in order to mechanize the implant without injury.

Kinésithérapie, la Revue

No study, however, has examined the performance over the 30 seconds of this test of female patients with fibromyalgia on a phase-by-phase basis.

PM&R

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "phase by phase" to clearly communicate a structured and sequential approach to implementation or analysis, ensuring each stage is completed before moving to the next.

Common error

Don't use "phase by phase" without specifying the phases or providing context about the steps involved. Ensure the reader understands the specific stages of the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "phase by phase" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig confirms its proper usage. It indicates that something is done in a series of stages or steps.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "phase by phase" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that describes a process done in stages. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the phases involved to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "step by step" or "gradually" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility and proper application across different domains, reinforcing its usefulness in conveying a structured and methodical approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step by step

Emphasizes the sequence of individual steps involved.

gradually

Highlights the slow and steady nature of the progression.

incrementally

Focuses on small, additive changes over time.

in stages

Indicates a process divided into distinct periods or phases.

by degrees

Suggests a subtle or barely perceptible progression.

systematically

Implies a methodical and organized approach to the progression.

in succession

Highlights the sequential order of events or actions.

bit by bit

Focuses on the small contributions made at each stage.

piecemeal

Suggests that the process is done in separate fragments, which can also imply disorder.

in installments

Highlights the partitioning of an action or process.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "phase by phase" in a sentence?

To effectively use "phase by phase", clearly outline the stages or steps involved in the process you are describing. For example, "We will roll out the new software "phase by phase", starting with the marketing department."

What are some alternatives to using "phase by phase"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "step by step", "gradually", or "in stages" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "phase by phase" and "step by step"?

"Phase by phase" often implies a structured implementation or analysis following defined stages, while "step by step" emphasizes a sequence of individual actions or instructions. The phrases are very similar, but "phase by phase" emphasizes a planned rollout.

When is it more appropriate to use "in stages" instead of "phase by phase"?

Use "in stages" when highlighting distinct periods or phases of a process, especially when the boundaries between phases are well-defined, as opposed to a more continuous or incremental progression suggested by "phase by phase".