What are the definitions of “scale up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Increase, make bigger.
They are SCALING UP the programme because it has been so successful.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “scale up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb scale up is to increase or make something bigger, usually in size, quantity, or scope. It is often used when talking about expanding a project, business, or operation.
What are the different verb forms of “scale up”?
| Root Verb | scale up |
| Third Person Singular Present | scales up |
| Present Participle | scaling up |
| Simple Past | scaled up |
| Past Participle | scaled up |
Example
The company plans to scale up production next year.
Example
She scales up her baking business during the holiday season.
Example
They are scaling up their marketing efforts to reach more customers.
Example
Last year, they scaled up the event to accommodate more attendees.
Example
The project has been scaled up to include more participants.
What kind of phrasal verb is “scale up”?
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 up” 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 government scaled up the vaccination campaign.
Example
The manufacturer scaled up production to meet demand.
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 up” 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 government scaled up the vaccination campaign.
Example
The manufacturer scaled up production to meet demand.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “scale up”?
Scale up a business
To expand a business by increasing production, hiring more employees, or opening new locations.
Example
She decided to scale up her business by opening a second store.
Scale up production
To increase the amount of goods or services produced.
Example
The factory scaled up production to meet the growing demand for their products.
Good things to know
Does “scale up” have an informal or formal tone?
Scale up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in business, project management, and other professional settings.
