What are the definitions of “scale down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make something smaller than originally planned.
They have had to SCALE DOWN the project because of the costs.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scale down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scale down is to make something smaller than originally planned, usually due to budget constraints, limited resources, or other factors. It often refers to reducing the size or scope of a project, event, or operation.
What are the different verb forms of “scale down”?
| Root Verb | scale down |
| Third Person Singular Present | scales down |
| Present Participle | scaling down |
| Simple Past | scaled down |
| Past Participle | scaled down |
Example
The company decided to scale down their expansion plans.
Example
She scales down her travel plans due to financial constraints.
Example
They are scaling down the event to fit the available budget.
Example
The government scaled down the infrastructure project last year.
Example
The project has been scaled down to meet the new requirements.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scale down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“scale down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The manager scaled down the project's scope.
Example
They scaled the event down to a smaller venue.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“scale down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The manager scaled down the project's scope.
Example
They scaled the event down to a smaller venue.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scale down”?
Scale down production
Reduce the amount of goods or services produced, often due to decreased demand or limited resources.
Example
The factory had to scale down production during the economic downturn.
Scale down expectations
Lower one's expectations or ambitions, often in response to changing circumstances or new information.
Example
After receiving feedback, he decided to scale down his expectations for the project.
Scale down operations
Reduce the size or scope of a business or organization's activities, often to cut costs or improve efficiency.
Example
The company scaled down its operations to focus on its core products.
Good things to know
Does “scale down” have an informal or formal tone?
Scale down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional settings, such as business meetings, project discussions, and official reports.
