Select the phrasal verb denoting the gradual, systematic elimination of a practice:

The European Union adopted ambitious environmental directives to ________ single-use petroleum plastics across all member states by 2030.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. phase out

Answer: phase out. Why not the others: 'wear out' means to cause to become unusable through prolonged use; 'iron out' means to resolve minor difficulties; 'bail out' means to rescue from financial distress.
  1. Step 1: Analyze the policy goal: gradually and systematically discontinuing the production and use of plastics over a designated timeframe.
  2. Step 2: 'Phase out' means to stop using, making, or doing something in gradual stages.

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