Phase vs. Faze – How to Use Each Correctly

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Phase vs. Faze – What’s the Gist?

These two words are homophones, sounding alike but having different meanings and spellings.

They both have verbs meanings, but if a usage mistake is made, it is usually substituting the word phase for faze.

  • Phase functions as both a noun and a transitive verb.
  • Faze is a transitive verb only.

 

phase versus faze

How to Use Phase in a Sentence

Phase definition: As a noun, phase means the distinguishable part found in the development or in the cycle of something, or the periodic changes based on any degree in its development, or the distinguishing personality of a particular group or subgroup.

For example:

  • There are several different phases of the moon. (Noun)
  • The company planned for incremental phases in the rolling out of its new product. (Noun)
  • Some parents think that teenagers go through a phase of rebellion and resistance. (Noun)

Phase is also a verb that means to be adjusted in a synchronized condition, to conduct by planned phases, or to introduce in stages.

For example:

  • During the transition stage, the cell company slowly phased out the older model cell phones while phasing in the new. (Past Tense Verb & Progressive Form)
  • Moving the baby from bottle to sippy cup, the mother phased from all formula, to half formula and half milk, and finally to all milk. (Past Tense Verb)

In sum, the word phase works as both a noun and a verb.

How to Use Faze in a Sentence

Faze definition: Faze, functioning as a transitive verb, means to disturb the composure of or to disconcert.

For example:

  • Falling down did not faze the runner. (Past Tense Verb)
  • The unexpected quiz fazed all the unprepared students. (Past Tense Verb)

Faze expresses action and passes it on to either to a direct object (active voice) or to the subject (passive voice).

Outside Examples of Phase vs. Faze

  • South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the country’s coronavirus crisis has entered a “totally different phase since the mass infection at Shincheonji.” –The Washington Post
  • The Purple Line is scheduled to open in three segments: from the current terminus in Koreatown through Mid-Wilshire by 2023; through Beverly Hills and Century City by 2025; and to West L.A. by 2027. Heavy construction is underway on the first two phases. –The LA Times
  • The fact that he embraced the fine art of golden-age songwriting long after the golden age of songwriting was over and done with didn’t faze him: Mr. Frishberg, who calls himself a “retromaniac,” is not only content to live in the past but prefers to do so. –The Wall Street Journal
  • Buntain and his girlfriend, Isabel Seely, 30, eventually married and are expecting their first child. Shopping for an affordable rowhouse with room they can grow into, they searched for a fixer-upper (gut renovations don’t faze Mr. Buntain, who is the co-founder of Fort Standard, a Brooklyn company that makes furniture). –The New York Times

Phrases That Use Phase and Faze

There are only a few phrases that use the word phase or faze, including:

Phase in: The process of gradually introducing something.

  • The concept of eating more vegetables was phased in for the family members’ benefit.

Phase out: The process of gradually getting rid of something.

  • During the renovation process, the outdated kitchen appliances were phased out one by one.

That didn’t/doesn’t faze (someone): Someone is not bothered or embarrassed over something.

  • The exorbitant price of the car didn’t faze the man.

How to Remember These Words

A slant rhyme may help you distinguish the meaning between these words phase and faze. By the way, a slant rhyme is where the vowels (or consonants) of the stressed syllables sound alike.

A slant rhyme for phases is the word stages, so remember that phases often require stages. The same mnemonic idea can be applied to faze using the near slant rhyme of amaze.

For example:

  • The phases of the moon come in stages.
  • Instead of fazing, the space program’s next venture will be amazing to spectators.

Quiz: Phase or Faze

  • Before the test began, the teacher admonished the students, “Don’t be _______ by taking the exam.”
  • The young child was going through a _______ of not eating meat.
  • Typical adolescent behavior suggests that ignoring one’s parents is just a _______ that teenagers experience.
  • Because he immediately picked himself up after crashing the bike, the boy didn’t seem _______ by the incident.

Article Summary

Is phase or faze correct? If you are looking for either a noun or a verb describing a periodic change or an action expressing an introduction of stages, phase is your word. On the other hand, if you need to express the idea of disquieting someone, use faze.

  • Phase is a noun and a verb.
  • Faze is a verb.

Quiz Answers

  • Fazed.
  • Phase.
  • Phase.
  • Fazed.