a long backlog of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long backlog of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a significant accumulation of tasks, requests, or items that need to be addressed or completed. Example: "Due to the recent surge in demand, we now have a long backlog of orders that we need to process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

When it reopened, there was a long backlog of departing and arriving flights.

The New York Times

It is to be open to the public starting Monday, though there is a long backlog of reservations.

The New York Times

Mobile operators have a long backlog of technologies to sell, and many, such as picture messaging and videotelephony, have been coolly received by customers.

The Economist

Clarida and Bowman might be confirmed by the Senate before the next Fed meeting on June 12, but that is a tight deadline at a time when the Senate has a long backlog of nominees to confirm for various roles.

The Washington Post

Logic dictates that as long as financial sanctions are as severe as they are, shortages of pharmaceutical products will continue". As a result of the pariah status of the Iranian banking system, the bulk of transactions involving Iranian pharmaceutic purchases are being channelled through a single Turkish bank with a long backlog of clients and exponentially increasing facilitation fees.

The Guardian

There's a long backlog of them.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

(A woman filed her application for citizenship three months too early and, by the time she was told to file again, found herself at the end of a long backlog).

The New York Times

Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, the need for Americans with security clearances to work for the Pentagon and military contractors has soared, with a long backlog building up in the early years of the Bush administration.

The New York Times

As a result, until the long backlog of visa requests for Mexicans clears, he cannot be employed in America.

The Economist

According to a cardiologist brought in on an emergency basis to start reading the long backlog of tests in Harlem, approximately half were abnormal and 20 to 30percentt needed immediate medical care.

Huffington Post

Indeed, I wrote a while ago about a very sensible plan led by the British government for reforming the court, starting with plans to tackle its appallingly long backlog of cases.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long backlog of", ensure the context clearly defines what is being accumulated. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a long backlog of" without clearly defining the items or tasks that are delayed or accumulated. For example, instead of saying "There's a long backlog of issues", specify "There's a long backlog of customer support tickets".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long backlog of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a considerable accumulation of something, often tasks, requests, or unprocessed items. Ludwig examples showcase it's use describing delayed flights, reservations, or technologies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long backlog of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly within news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing substantial accumulations or delays. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify the nature of the backlog to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a substantial accumulation of" can add nuance, while maintaining the core meaning of a significant accumulation. Given its neutral register, it is suitable for both formal and informal communications. Ensure the context clearly defines what is being accumulated to avoid misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial accumulation of

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "long" with "substantial", emphasizing the quantity.

a significant accumulation of

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "long" with "significant", highlighting importance.

a considerable accumulation of

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "long" with "considerable", emphasizing the magnitude.

a large accumulation of

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "long" with "large", using a more basic term.

an extensive accumulation of

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "long" with "extensive", indicating broad scope.

a lengthy accumulation of

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "long" with "lengthy", focusing on duration.

a protracted delay of

Replaces "backlog" with "delay" and "long" with "protracted", emphasizing the prolonged nature.

a substantial queue of

Replaces "backlog" with "queue" and "long" with "substantial", portraying a waiting line.

a considerable waiting list for

Replaces "backlog" with "waiting list" and "long" with "considerable", highlighting pending items.

a mounting accumulation of

Replaces "long" with "mounting", emphasizing that the accumulation is growing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long backlog of" to describe a large accumulation of pending tasks, items, or requests. For example, "The company is working to reduce "a long backlog of" orders".

What are some alternatives to "a long backlog of"?

Some alternatives include "a substantial accumulation of", "a significant queue of", or "a considerable waiting list for", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a lengthy backlog of"?

Yes, "a lengthy backlog of" is grammatically correct and similar in meaning to "a long backlog of". You can also consider "a protracted delay of" for expressing a similar meaning.

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

"A backlog" simply indicates an accumulation of pending items, while "a long backlog of" emphasizes the size or extent of that accumulation. The addition of "long" stresses the magnitude of the issue and helps in understanding how significant "a substantial accumulation of" it is.