phases of development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "phases of development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the different stages or steps in a process of growth or evolution, whether in a project, a person's life, or a product lifecycle. Example: "The phases of development for this software include planning, design, implementation, and testing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

3.2 Phases of Development.

Stanford University

Yet the system is still in early phases of development.

MIT Technology Review

She had, she tells me, three distinct phases of development as a painter.

The Guardian - Arts

Ginsberg's poetry evolved through many phases of development before he was capable of writing Howl.

The Guardian - Books

These remain in early phases of development and are not currently available for clinical use.

Nature

There also are other malaria vaccine approaches in earlier phases of development that target different stages of the parasite's lifecycle.

The Guardian

SpiroCall has several phases of development and a battery of tests planned for it in the months ahead.

MIT Technology Review

At any point in time, an adult female carry at least four batches of eggs in different phases of development.

Nature

Finally, Africa has "fascinating" opportunities to "leapfrog certain technologies and skip certain phases of development".

The Economist

In a separate article, Li also laid out four successive phases of development — economic progress, personal freedom, social justice, political democracy — that stood between China and full modernity.

The New Yorker

John, the book's central figure, is presented in several different phases of development: lovelorn swain, promiscuous sex-hound, corrupted shill for Charles.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project's lifecycle, clearly define each "phase of development" with specific milestones and deliverables to ensure clarity and track progress effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "phases of development" when simply referring to overall progress. Ensure that each phase represents a distinct, well-defined stage with unique characteristics rather than just incremental advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "phases of development" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing structured processes. It identifies specific periods within a broader developmental timeline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "phases of development" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to delineate distinct stages within a process of growth or evolution. While interchangeable with terms like ""stages of development"", it is crucial to define the unique attributes of each phase to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in scientific, news, and academic domains, signifying its formal yet versatile application. The phrase is best employed when aiming to provide a structured and comprehensive overview of a progressive process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stages of development

Replaces "phases" with "stages", emphasizing distinct periods in a process.

developmental stages

Inverts the order and uses an adjectival form, slightly altering the emphasis.

periods of development

Substitutes "phases" with "periods", highlighting temporal segments.

developmental phases

Uses an adjectival form of "development", shifting the focus to the nature of the phases.

steps in development

Replaces "phases" with "steps", suggesting a more sequential and discrete progression.

evolutionary phases

Emphasizes the progressive and gradual nature of development.

progression of development

Focuses on the continuous advancement inherent in development.

course of development

Highlights the path or trajectory that development follows.

unfolding of development

Suggests a gradual revelation or unfolding process.

growth stages

Replaces both words to focus on the growth aspect and distinct periods.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "phases of development" in a sentence?

Use "phases of development" to describe distinct stages in a process, project, or entity's growth. For example: "The software underwent several "stages of development" before its release."

What are some alternatives to "phases of development"?

You can use alternatives such as ""stages of development"", "developmental stages", or "periods of development", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "phases of development" in formal writing?

Yes, "phases of development" is suitable for formal writing in academic, scientific, and business contexts. It clearly conveys the idea of distinct stages in a process.

What's the difference between "phases of development" and "steps in development"?

While both terms refer to progression, "phases of development" often implies broader, more complex stages, whereas "steps in development" suggests a more linear and sequential progression with discrete actions.