scale back — reduce (the size, amount, or activity of something, especially after growth or expansion)
phrasal verbC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
To decrease the size, amount, or level of something, especially after it has grown or increased, often because of changing circumstances or limited resources.
Say it like a native
Textbook The firm resolved to reduce the scope of its operations.
Native The firm decided to scale back its operations.
'Scale back' is the natural business verb for cutting down; 'reduce the scope of' is formal.
Pattern: scale back (on) something | scale something back
In use
- Due to budget cuts, the company had to scale back its recruitment plans this year.work
- If governments scale back investment in public transport, it could discourage people from using environmentally friendly options.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ They scaled back of their plans.
✓ They scaled back their plans.
'Scale back' takes the object directly — no 'of'.
Common collocations
scale back + activity— operations, plans, production, spending
Don't confuse it
At B1/B2, learners may know 'reduce' or 'cut down', but 'scale back' specifically suggests a reduction from a previous increase or expansion, often as a strategic or necessary adjustment.