scale back

USAGE SUMMARY

"scale back" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe reducing something (usually the size or scope of something). For example: "Due to budget constraints, we had to scale back our plans for a summer vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Scale back pension commitments.

The Guardian - Business

If it's too expensive, scale back.

The New York Times

"I wanted to scale back.

The New York Times

Most agencies have had to scale back.

The New York Times

It forced me to scale back some of my aspirations.

The Guardian

"We're going to scale back the guest list considerably.

The Guardian - Film

Now the company may have to scale back plans.

The New York Times

Huckabee Campaign, maybe scale back the Satan stuff?

The New Yorker

9) Slim down the national curriculum and scale back Sats.

The Guardian

My first recommendation is that you scale back your plans.

The New York Times

Mrs Li will not unilaterally scale back her shopping.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "reduce" or "curtail" for emphasis, depending on the context.

Common error

While "scale back" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "decrease", "reduce", or "curtail" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scale back" is a phrasal verb, acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of reducing something. Ludwig AI provides many examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scale back" is a common and correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of reducing something in size, scope, or intensity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide usage across various reputable sources, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or scientific writing. The most frequent mistake is the overuse of "scale back" in formal writing, for which synonyms like "reduce" or "curtail" are recommended to enhance vocabulary variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce

This alternative is shorter and more direct, focusing on the act of lessening something.

cut back

This alternative emphasizes a sharp or sudden reduction, often in spending or resources.

decrease

This alternative is a more general term for lessening, suitable for various contexts.

downsize

This alternative suggests a reduction in size or personnel, often in a business context.

curtail

This alternative implies limiting or restricting something, often an activity or expense.

retrench

This alternative conveys a defensive withdrawal or reduction in activity, often due to economic hardship.

pare down

This alternative means to reduce something gradually, often to essential elements.

trim

This alternative suggests making small reductions, often to improve efficiency.

wind down

This alternative refers to gradually reducing and eventually stopping something.

roll back

This alternative suggests reversing a previous increase or expansion.

FAQs

How to use "scale back" in a sentence?

"Scale back" is a verb phrase meaning to reduce the size, extent, or intensity of something. For instance, "The company decided to scale back its marketing budget due to lower profits."

What can I say instead of "scale back"?

You can use alternatives like "reduce", "cut back", or "decrease" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "scale back"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a deliberate reduction in effort, resources, or scope. For example, you might "scale back" a project, a budget, or your work hours.

Is "scale back" formal or informal language?

"Scale back" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using synonyms like "reduce" or "diminish" for a more sophisticated tone.