a big backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant accumulation of tasks, orders, or requests that need to be addressed or completed. Example: "Due to the recent surge in demand, we currently have a big backlog of customer orders that we are working to fulfill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

There also isn't a big backlog of leveraged debt deals to tax investor demand.

The New York Times

While new jet sales may be slowing, there is still a big backlog of plane orders.

The New York Times

A moratorium, only recently lifted, on initial public offerings on mainland exchanges has led to a big backlog of IPOs.

The Economist

First, RFF has taken on huge debts in building the country's impressive high-speed rail network, while letting a big backlog of maintenance build up on local lines.

The Economist

And because so many businesses depend on nature, short-term stripping of its assets is accumulating a big backlog of risk for investors.

The Guardian

Bond dealers said they were still trying to work off a big backlog of long-term bonds left over from last week's $37 billion Treasury refinancing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

There is one negative effect of a bigger backlog: we cannot take orders from clients who need things in a hurry.

The New York Times

And the government overall had a bigger backlog of requests at the end of 2011 than at the start, largely because of 30,000 more pending requests to the Department of Homeland Security.

The Washington Post

Bernhardt is deliberately creating a bigger backlog and workload for FWS so all these species listed as threatened get no protection.

Los Angeles Times

"Bernhardt is deliberately creating a bigger backlog and workload for FWS so all these species listed as threatened get no protection," says Brett Hartl, an endangered species expert at the Center for Biological Diversity.

Los Angeles Times

As a result, the U.K. is now facing a big infrastructure backlog of its own.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big backlog", consider whether the adjective "big" is the most precise descriptor. Alternatives like "substantial", "significant", or "extensive" may provide a more nuanced understanding of the scale and nature of the backlog.

Common error

Avoid using "a big backlog" without providing context. Specify what the backlog consists of (e.g., orders, requests, maintenance) to give readers a clearer understanding of the situation and its potential impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big backlog" functions as a noun phrase, where "big" modifies the noun "backlog". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big backlog" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe a substantial accumulation of pending items. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in news, business, and technical contexts. While "big" is acceptable, consider more precise adjectives like "substantial" or "significant" for nuanced clarity. This phrase is suitable for neutral and professional communication but avoids overuse in highly formal settings. Examples across various domains demonstrate its applicability in diverse scenarios, from business operations to legal proceedings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial queue

Emphasizes the waiting line or sequence aspect, implying a number of items waiting.

a significant accumulation

Focuses on the buildup or aggregation of items, tasks, or requests.

a considerable pile-up

Highlights a chaotic accumulation, possibly implying disorder or difficulty in managing it.

a large accumulation of pending items

More formal and specific, detailing the nature of the accumulation.

a sizable reserve

Implies a stock or collection held in reserve, needing attention.

an extensive accumulation

Similar to 'significant accumulation', but with a stronger emphasis on the range and scale.

a mounting list

Suggests a growing or escalating list of items or tasks.

a heavy workload

Highlights the amount of work to be done, related to the backlog.

a considerable inventory

Refers to a large stock of items waiting to be processed or sold.

an important number of pending tasks

Replaces 'backlog' with 'pending tasks', emphasizing actions that need to be completed.

FAQs

What does "a big backlog" mean?

The phrase "a big backlog" refers to a significant accumulation of tasks, projects, orders, or items that need to be processed or completed. It implies that there is a substantial delay or waiting period due to the volume of work exceeding the available capacity.

What are some alternatives to saying "a big backlog"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial queue", "a significant accumulation", or "a considerable pile-up" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a big backlog"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Big" is a common adjective used to describe the size or extent of the "backlog".

How can I use "a big backlog" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company is working hard to reduce "a bigger backlog" of customer orders" or "The court system faces "big backlogs" due to staff shortages".