phase in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'phase in which' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate a particular period of time during which something happened or occurs. For example: "The 1980s was a phase in which the fashion industry experienced remarkable growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're not entering a phase in which government stands back and lets the chips fall.

The New York Times

The phase in which a candidate who ran a fraudulent campaign is congratulated?

The New Yorker

During the testing phase, in which books were kept submerged for days, most glues couldn't endure.

The New York Times

The third phase, in which damages would be determined, finished in February 2015.

Britannica

Recently we went through a phase in which every book was an "erotics" of something.

The New York Times - Books

Bishop argues that medicine is entering a new phase in which cells will become living drugs.

MIT Technology Review

Trump now enters a new phase in which the focus of press coverage will sharpen.

The Washington Post

Following the lag phase is the log phase, in which population grows in a logarithmic fashion.

Britannica

Medicine is entering a new phase in which cells will become living drugs.

MIT Technology Review

Some companies are in the second phase, in which environmental issues are assigned to internal specialists.

Harvard Business Review

There is an adjustment phase in which students learn what is expected in classes.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multi-stage processes, use "phase in which" to clearly delineate each distinct part. For example: "The project has a planning phase in which resources are allocated."

Common error

Avoid using "phase in which" when simpler alternatives like "when" or "during" would suffice. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal and convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "phase in which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (usually related to time or process) by providing additional information about a specific period. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "phase in which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for specifying a distinct period within a process or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a relative clause and serves to characterize a specific time. While suitable for neutral and formal contexts, such as academic and scientific writing, it's essential to avoid overuse in casual settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Remember that "stage during which", "period when", and "time in which" are good interchangeable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stage during which

This alternative replaces "phase" with "stage", emphasizing a step or period in a process.

time in which

This alternative simplifies the phrase by using "time" instead of "phase", keeping the meaning broad.

period when

This alternative uses "period" to denote a length of time, simplifying the original structure.

timeframe where

Substituting "phase" with "timeframe" shifts the focus to a specific duration in which something happens.

era when

Replacing "phase" with "era" broadens the scope to a significant historical period.

moment that

This alternative uses "moment" suggesting a particular point or instance, rather than a prolonged period.

situation where

This alternative focuses on the set of circumstances during which something occurs.

interval where

Using "interval" specifies a segment of time, differing slightly from the more general "phase".

the point at which

Using "point at which" specifies a precise instant when something transitions or changes.

juncture at which

This alternative offers a more formal way to indicate a critical moment or point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "phase in which" in a sentence?

Use "phase in which" to describe a specific period or stage during an event or process. For example: "The testing phase in which all components were assessed revealed several defects."

What are some alternatives to "phase in which"?

Alternatives include "stage during which", "period when", or "time in which". Each can be used to slightly alter the emphasis or formality of your writing. For instance, "stage during which" is a very close synonym.

Is it better to use "phase in which" or a simpler word like "when"?

The choice depends on the context. "Phase in which" is suitable for formal or technical writing where precision is needed. In more casual contexts, "when" is often sufficient. For example, consider replacing "the phase in which the moon is full" with "when the moon is full" in informal settings.

What's the difference between "phase in which" and "stage in which"?

While largely interchangeable, "phase" often implies a part of a cycle or process, whereas "stage" suggests a step in a sequence. You could use "stage during which" to underscore a progressive sequence of events.