Phrasal verb
phase in
Definition
phrasal verb. to start using or introducing something new slowly, in small steps, rather than all at once.
phrasal verb. to introduce a new system, law, or product gradually over a period of time. This transitive verb implies a planned, incremental implementation.
Examples
“The company phases in the new rules over several months.”
“Instead of changing everything overnight, the school decided to phase in the new curriculum over three years.”
“The government announced a plan to phase in stricter environmental regulations to allow local industries sufficient time to adapt their manufacturing processes.”
Examples
simple
“The company phases in the new rules over several months.”
contextual
“Instead of changing everything overnight, the school decided to phase in the new curriculum over three years.”
complex
“The government announced a plan to phase in stricter environmental regulations to allow local industries sufficient time to adapt their manufacturing processes.”
Usage
This verb is separable, meaning the object can be placed between the verb and the particle.
Teaching tip
Contrast this with 'phase out' to help students learn the pair as a logical set for discussing change management.
Pitfall
The company will phase in it.
The company will phase it in.
When the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
phase + in + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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