stages

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the progressive elements of a process or development. For example, "The design project went through three stages before it was finalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Although the investigation is in its early stages, we will take action to protect the public if we uncover evidence that could affect the safety of other rides at the park or elsewhere".

The Guardian

But the audition stages of the X Factor have been given a makeover.

The Guardian

The format of Italia 90 meant the top two teams in each of the six groups progressed to the second round, where they were joined by the four best third-placed teams from the group stages.

The Guardian - Sport

"Everyone had a character, an act, a play, a rant, and there were stages to do them on and audiences anxious to catch them," says Michael Musto, long-time chronicler of the New York scene for the Village Voice.

The Guardian - Music

"These are, firstly, the difficulty of identifying clearly the hand of a hostile state government in the subversive destabilising effects they bring to bear in the early stages of such a strategy," he said.

The Guardian

The noise echoed around all corners of the loch, where fans had positioned themselves on grassy knolls and by big screens along the latter stages, and even the swans moved aside for the beginning of the race.

The Guardian - Sport

First on court is the latest instalment in one of the rivalries that will shape these Games, with England playing Australia in the group stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Formerly known as Friends of the Italian Opera – after the codename for the mafia in Some Like It Hot – the theatre regularly stages classics by the likes of Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Tennessee Williams and Alan Bennett, as well as inviting young writers to try out their works.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, at this stage of the litigation, the pleading standards limit Barclays' ability to rebut those factual errors – but should this litigation proceed to the next stages, Barclays will introduce evidence demonstrating how far off base these allegations are".

The Guardian - Business

Lady Verma, energy minister and a fellow Conservative, replied: "As members are aware, fracking is at its early stages of exploration and there will be areas of landscape that won't be suitable for fracking, as you rightly point out.

The Guardian

But we're still in the very early stages of this evolution," says Kovacs.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, clearly define the characteristics and outcomes of each of the "stages" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "stages" interchangeably with terms like "steps" or "phases" without considering the specific context. "Stages" often implies a more significant transformation or development than "steps", while "phases" may refer to overlapping or less defined periods.

Linguistic Context

The word "stages" functions primarily as a noun, referring to distinct periods or phases in a process, development, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various contexts, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sport

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Music

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "stages" is a versatile noun used to denote distinct phases or periods in a process, development, or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it appears frequently in contexts such as news, sports, and business. When using "stages", ensure clarity by defining the characteristics of each phase. Common errors include using it interchangeably with similar terms like "steps" or "phases" without considering nuanced differences. Overall, "stages" is a common and effective way to structure and describe progressive elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

phases of development

Focuses specifically on the developmental aspect, highlighting distinct periods in growth or evolution.

steps in the process

Emphasizes the procedural aspect, breaking down a task or activity into sequential steps.

levels of progression

Highlights a hierarchical structure, where each level represents a different degree of advancement.

parts of the performance

Specifically relates to a performance context, dividing it into distinct sections or acts.

acts in the play

Directly relates to a theatrical production, dividing the narrative into distinct acts.

segments of the journey

Suggests a path or trajectory, with each segment representing a different portion of the overall experience.

junctures in the timeline

Points to specific points in a chronological sequence, often marking critical events or decisions.

divisions of the project

Emphasizes the structural aspect of a project, breaking it down into manageable parts.

periods of time

Offers a broader perspective, simply referring to distinct segments of time without necessarily implying progression.

moments in time

Refers to precise points in time, potentially highlighting significant occurrences or turning points.

FAQs

How can I use "stages" in a sentence?

You can use "stages" to describe progressive elements of a process, like "The project went through several "phases of development"", or to refer to performance venues, such as "The band performed on various "performance venues" during their tour".

What are some alternatives to using "stages"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "phases", "steps", "levels", or "periods". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "stages" to describe a linear process?

Yes, "stages" can be used to describe a linear process, implying a sequential progression from one distinct phase to another. For instance, you might say, "The product development followed a series of "steps in the process"".

What is the difference between "stages" and "steps"?

"Stages" often imply a more significant level of transformation or development compared to "steps". "Steps" typically refer to smaller, more incremental actions, while "stages" suggest more substantial periods or phases within a larger process.