A variable gain amplifying apparatus has an amplifier, one or more first switching elements connected in parallel to the amplifier, and a phase shifter connected in series to the first switching element. The first switching element is enabled if the level of an input signal or an output signal is higher than a predetermined level, and the first switching element is disabled if the level of the input signal or the output signal is equal to or lower than the predetermined level. The amplifier does not operate when the first switching element is enabled, and the amplifier operates when the first switching element is disabled, and the amount of phase shift when the input signal is passed through the amplifier and phase shifter is substantially equal to the amount of phase shift when the input signal is passed through the first switching element.