stage by stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stage by stage" is correct and applicable to written English.
You can use it in order to refer to something that is occurring in sequential steps over time. For example: "We are taking this project forward stage by stage, making sure to get all the details right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"So right now, we're taking this race stage by stage.

The New York Times - Sports

Stage by stage, they were getting close to the intersection.

The New Yorker

We are going to have to take this stage by stage and step by step".

The Guardian

But they want to do it stage by stage," Coronel said.

The Guardian

Stage by stage, the comic outcast becomes the voice of doom.

The New Yorker

In fact, Cumberbatch takes us stage by stage through Richard's systematic progress to power.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

For a stage-by-stage guide to walking the Mauerweg visit berlin.de.

The Guardian - Travel

"This is a stage-by-stage process, it's a month-by-month process".

The New York Times - Sports

Stage-by-stage calculations have been carried out to predict the dynamic behaviour of the plant.

Desalination

To define the stage-by-stage expression of KATNB1 during human spermatogenesis.

Fertility and Sterility

"This has always been a stage-by-stage process," Shlomo Dror, a Defense Ministry spokesman, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stage by stage" to emphasize a structured and deliberate process, where each stage builds upon the previous one. For example, "The project was implemented stage by stage, with careful planning at each step."

Common error

Avoid using "stage by stage" when the process isn't truly sequential or when the order doesn't matter. It implies a specific, building progression, so ensure that your description accurately reflects this. Use alternatives if the sequence isn't important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stage by stage" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its use to indicate a sequential, phased approach. Examples show it describing implementation, construction, and analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stage by stage" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase. It describes a process that unfolds sequentially, in distinct phases. Ludwig AI confirms it is appropriate for various writing contexts, particularly formal and scientific. It is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Science" contexts. The phrase signifies a methodical and structured approach. Consider related terms like "step by step" or "in phases" for slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step by step

Emphasizes a methodical, sequential approach, similar to "stage by stage" but with a stronger focus on individual steps.

in stages

Highlights that something is being done through a series of steps. While close to the original phrase, it doesn't emphasize the process between stages to the same degree.

one step at a time

Highlights a methodical and unhurried approach.

gradually

Highlights the slow and incremental nature of progress, differing from "stage by stage" by lacking the structured implication.

incrementally

Similar to 'gradually' but focuses on increases in quantity or degree at each step.

in a series of steps

Emphasizes that something is being done in a set order.

in phases

Focuses on the division of a process into distinct parts, rather than the progression through them.

by degrees

Suggests small and almost imperceptible changes over time.

bit by bit

Suggests a slow and possibly laborious process of accumulation.

sequentially

Highlights that items are following a set order without implying specific progress.

FAQs

How can I use "stage by stage" in a sentence?

Use "stage by stage" to describe a process that unfolds in a series of ordered steps, where each step is a distinct phase. For example, "The building was constructed "stage by stage", starting with the foundation."

What are some alternatives to "stage by stage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "step by step", "gradually", or "in phases".

Is "stage by stage" the same as "step by step"?

While similar, "step by step" often implies smaller, more granular actions, whereas "stage by stage" suggests larger, more defined phases in a process.

When is it appropriate to use "stage by stage" instead of "stepwise"?

"Stage by stage" is best used when the process involves distinct phases with clear objectives for each, while "stepwise" is more appropriate for processes that advance in small, incremental adjustments or calculations.