Grammar fix
scale back
reduce (the size, amount, or activity of something, especially after growth or expansion)
To decrease the size, amount, or level of something, especially after it has grown or increased, often because of changing circumstances or limited resources.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Due to budget cuts, the company had to scale back its recruitment plans this year.
If governments scale back investment in public transport, it could discourage people from using environmentally friendly options.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They scaled back of their plans.
Say: They scaled back their plans.
'Scale back' takes the object directly — no 'of'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Scale back' is the natural business verb for cutting down; 'reduce the scope of' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
scale back + activity
- operations
- plans
- production
- spending