There are four stages that make up the swallowing process. Stage 1: Oral preparation stage. Food is chewed to prepare for swallowing. Stage 2: Oral stage. The tongue pushes food or liquid to the back of the mouth. Stage 3: Pharyngeal stage. Food or liquid passes through the pharynx into the esophagus. Stage 4: Esophageal stage. Food or liquid passes through the esophagus and enters the stomach.