Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding and Using the Phrasal Verb 'Phase Out'

"To phase out what is outgrown is to make space for growth and transformation, embracing the new with open arms and courage."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'phase out' refers to the process of gradually stopping the use or production of something, usually in favor of a better or more efficient alternative.

Examples in context

The city plans to phase out diesel buses by 2025 for cleaner air.
As digital grew, they phased out paper records in the office.
Manufacturers are phasing out non-recyclable packaging to meet new sustainability targets.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'phase out' refers to the process of gradually stopping the use or production of something, usually in favor of a better or more efficient alternative.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can insert a noun between 'phase' and 'out'.

Neutral

Suitable for both spoken and written English.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to express what is being phased out.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	phase out	They are planning to phase out coal by 2030.
Past Simple	phased out	Lead-based paints were phased out in the 1970s.
Present Continuous	phasing out	The company is phasing out outdated technology.
Present Perfect	have phased out	Many countries have phased out the use of harmful pesticides.

💡 When to Use

Transition from old methods

Use when discussing replacing old methods or technologies with new ones, often due to advancements or regulations.

Example: "They are phasing out the old machines to improve efficiency."

Environmental changes

Use when referring to stopping practices harmful to the environment, advocating for sustainable alternatives.

Example: "The nation is phasing out single-use plastics to reduce pollution."

Gradual discontinuation

Use to describe the process of gradually ending the use or production of something.

Example: "The government is phasing out the old currency."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

incorrect subject-verb agreement

❌ Wrong: The factories was phasing out old equipment last year.

✅ Correct: The factories were phasing out old equipment last year.

💡 Tip: Ensure the subject agrees with the verb.

missing direct object

❌ Wrong: They phased out without explaining.

✅ Correct: They phased out the outdated equipment without explaining.

💡 Tip: Remember to include what is being phased out.

misuse in separable form

❌ Wrong: The manager out phased the old system.

✅ Correct: The manager phased the old system out.

💡 Tip: Place the object between 'phase' and 'out'.

Practice

PHASE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The city plans to phase out diesel buses by 2025 for cleaner air.
Voices Across Distance
2
Listen to example

As digital grew, they phased out paper records in the office.
Voices Across Distance
3
Listen to example

Manufacturers are phasing out non-recyclable packaging to meet new sustainability targets.
Voices Across Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

eliminate discontinue

Antonyms

introduce

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many countries aim to ___ coal to fight climate change."

inject

phase out

include

induce

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Phase Out

What is the origin of phase out?

The term 'phase out' comes from the concept of gradually 'fading out' the use or occurrence of a practice, influenced by the idea of transitioning from one phase to another. The term gained prominence in environmental and industrial contexts during the 20th century.

Can phase out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'phase out' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in business, environmental, and technological discussions, making it suitable for reports, articles, and casual conversations about discontinuation processes.

What is the difference between phase out and eliminate?

'Phase out' implies a gradual process, while 'eliminate' suggests an immediate removal. 'Phase out' is typically used for transitions over time, whereas 'eliminate' is used for a more abrupt or complete removal of something.

Browse All Voices Across Distance Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

PHASE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Phase Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega