What are the definitions of “pare back”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1If you pare something back, you reduce the size or numbers..
They have had to PARE BACK the services they offer as their funding was reduced.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pare back”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pare back is to reduce the size, number, or amount of something, often to make it more efficient or manageable. For example, it can mean cutting back on expenses, reducing the number of employees, or simplifying a project.
What are the different verb forms of “pare back”?
| Root Verb | pare back |
| Third Person Singular Present | pares back |
| Present Participle | paring back |
| Simple Past | pared back |
| Past Participle | pared back |
Example
The company decided to pare back its workforce to save money.
Example
She pares back her spending to save for a vacation.
Example
They are paring back their expenses to pay off their debt.
Example
Last year, the government pared back funding for the program.
Example
The project was pared back to meet the budget constraints.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pare back”?
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
“pare back” 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 pared back the team's budget.
Example
She pared her expenses back to save money.
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
“pare back” 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 pared back the team's budget.
Example
She pared her expenses back to save money.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pare back”?
Good things to know
Does “pare back” have an informal or formal tone?
Pare back is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or written reports.
