• 2-minute read
• 4th September 2014

Word Choice: Phase vs. Faze

The identical-sounding words ‘phase’ and ‘faze’ are often confused despite one being spelled with an ‘s’ and the other with a ‘z’. They also have very different meanings, so you need to know their definitions to avoid errors.

Phase (Stage or Period)

The word ‘phase’ means ‘a period within a sequence of events’. For instance, it could be used to describe the ‘final phase’ of a business plan or ‘phase one’ of a house renovation.

It is also sometimes used in a derogatory way to describe temporary behaviours or attitudes, particularly among children and adolescents. For example, when discussing a rebellious teenager, one might say:

It’s just a phase. He’ll grow out of it.

‘Phase’ can also be used as a verb meaning ‘to introduce a change over time’. Something that has been introduced gradually, for example, can be said to have been ‘phased in’. The opposite would be to ‘phase out’ something:

The use of pesticides was phased out over a period of one month.

Faze (Disturb)

‘Faze’ is a verb meaning ‘to disturb or disrupt somebody’s composure’:

The pressure to do well doesn’t faze me.

Adjectival forms like ‘fazed’ and unfazed’ are often used to describe the way in which someone was affected by their circumstances:

She was unfazed by the roar of the crowd.

The Difference

It’s vital to remember that, while ‘phase’ can be either a noun or a verb, ‘faze’ is always a verb. ‘Phase’ and ‘faze’ could be used together in a sentence like this:

Christopher’s parents weren’t fazed by his rebellious phase.

Don’t forget that the word ‘phase’ is spelled with an ‘s’, while the word ‘faze’ is spelled with a ‘z’! If you would like more help with your spelling, the professionals at Proofed can help you today!