a backlog of documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a backlog of documents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an accumulation of documents that need to be processed or addressed. Example: "Due to the recent increase in requests, we now have a backlog of documents that need to be reviewed before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Our Towns column yesterday, about the Nassau County clerk's efforts to clear up a backlog of real estate documents, misspelled the writer's surname.

The New York Times

"We're certainly seeing a backlog of tens of thousands of documents every day within the system, which has an effect on how quickly eligibility and recertifications can be processed," he said.

Vice

The agency calculates that it has a backlog of some 40 million pages of secret documents dating back 25 years or more, the prime period for declassification set by President Clinton.

The New York Times

There is a backlog of around four million people in Venezuela waiting for identification documents.

The New York Times

The problems appear to have resulted from a backlog of applications and a faulty computer system, according to court documents.

Los Angeles Times

Or with a backlog of e-mails.

The New Yorker

It has a backlog of three thousand ideas.

The New Yorker

County Supreme Court to tackle a backlog of medical-malpractice cases.

Harvard University

As a result, there is a backlog of reservations.

The New York Times

A more detailed budget document that The Post obtained last week showed significant cuts to maintenance funds, which would probably exacerbate a backlog of repair work nationwide.

The Washington Post

A backlog of 12.3 million idle workers remains.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify the "backlog of documents" whenever possible (e.g., "a backlog of 500 documents") to emphasize the scale of the issue.

Common error

While "a backlog of documents" is acceptable, overuse can make writing seem repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "accumulation of documents" or "pile of paperwork."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a backlog of documents" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a collection of documents that are waiting to be processed or handled. This interpretation aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a backlog of documents" is a grammatically correct and easily understood way to describe an accumulation of documents that need processing. Ludwig confirms its usability in English writing. While versatile, it's best to provide context by specifying the type of documents involved. For variety, consider alternatives such as "accumulation of documents" or "pile of paperwork". The term can be employed in neutral and professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an accumulation of documents

Emphasizes the gathering of documents, changing the focus from delay to volume.

a pile of documents

Uses a more informal term, "pile", suggesting a less organized accumulation.

a buildup of paperwork

Replaces "documents" with the more general "paperwork", indicating routine documents.

outstanding documents

Focuses on documents that are pending or not yet processed.

unprocessed documents

Highlights the lack of processing rather than the accumulation itself.

delayed documents

Emphasizes that the documents are behind schedule or overdue.

pending documentation

Replaces "documents" with "documentation", suggesting a more formal or official context.

an inventory of documents awaiting processing

More detailed, specifying the stage at which documents are delayed.

a surplus of documents

Indicates there are more documents than can be handled efficiently.

an overflow of documents

Suggests that the volume of documents is exceeding capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "a backlog of documents" in a sentence?

You can use "a backlog of documents" to describe a situation where there's an accumulation of documents that need to be processed. For example, "Due to staff shortages, the department is facing "a backlog of documents" that need to be reviewed."

What can I say instead of "a backlog of documents"?

Alternatives include "an accumulation of documents", "a pile of documents", or "outstanding documents", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a backlog of documents" and "a pile of documents"?

"A backlog of documents" suggests a delay in processing, whereas "a pile of documents" simply indicates a physical accumulation. The former implies a problem with workflow or resources.

Is it appropriate to use "a backlog of documents" in formal writing?

Yes, "a backlog of documents" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing business, legal, or administrative contexts. However, consider alternatives like "an accumulation of documents" or "pending documentation" for variety.