a massive backlog of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a massive backlog of" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means a large number of items or tasks that have accumulated over time and need to be dealt with. For example, "There is a massive backlog of paperwork that needs to be completed before the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The court has been struggling to deal with a massive backlog of unresolved cases.

The Guardian

He's been waiting for about 20 years, however, due to a massive backlog of other applicants.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new justice minister says he wants Polish courts to work 18-hour days until they clear a massive backlog of unheard cases.

The Economist

Friday's decision will reinforce calls for wholesale reform of India's judicial system, which is clogged by a massive backlog of cases.

The Guardian

Even with the help of Rachel, my assistant, we soon had a massive backlog of clippings waiting to be unfolded, read, punched and bound.

The Guardian - Film

This was done because the tremendous number of people to be tried in connection with the genocide resulted in a massive backlog of cases and an inability to proceed in a timely manner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

While it says the underlying computer failure has been resolved, there is still a massive backlog to deal with.

BBC

That has created a massive backlog snaring 15% of claims filed since Sept. 1.

Los Angeles Times

Over the past couple of months, the State Department has fallen short of meeting its court-ordered monthly production of emails, citing a variety of factors, including a massive backlog, a staff shortage and the need to review the emails for classified information.

Vice

The main contractor, Atos, quit the contract for assessing claimants after a massive backlog built up and criticism grew of the way in which the medical assessments were made.

The Guardian

A massive backlog has contributed to the possibility of being deported while waiting for the U Visa.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a massive backlog of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being accumulated or delayed. For instance, specify "a massive backlog of orders" or "a massive backlog of cases" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a massive backlog of" without specifying what the backlog consists of. Vague usage diminishes the impact and can confuse the reader. Always provide context, such as "a massive backlog of customer complaints" or "a massive backlog of maintenance requests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a massive backlog of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant accumulation of something, whether it's tasks, items, or cases. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a massive backlog of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a significant accumulation of items or tasks, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most frequently found in News & Media. To ensure clarity, always specify what constitutes the backlog. Alternatives like ""a substantial accumulation of"" or ""a significant queue of"" can be used depending on the context. When employing this phrase, be mindful of overuse and maintain specificity to enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large accumulation of

Replaces "massive" with "large," maintaining a simple and direct expression of quantity.

a huge accumulation of

Replaces "massive" with "huge," emphasizing the large size of the accumulation.

a substantial accumulation of

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "massive" with "substantial", emphasizing quantity over delay.

a significant accumulation of

Substitutes "massive" with "significant," indicating importance and quantity.

a considerable accumulation of

Replaces "massive" with "considerable", suggesting a noteworthy amount.

a mounting accumulation of

Emphasizes the increasing nature of the accumulation by using "mounting".

a substantial delay in

Shifts the focus to the delay aspect, using "substantial" to quantify it.

a tremendous pileup of

Replaces "backlog" with "pileup", highlighting the chaotic nature of the accumulation.

a considerable number of delayed

Focuses on the number of items experiencing delay, using "considerable" to indicate quantity.

a significant queue of

Uses "queue" instead of "backlog", more applicable to items waiting in line.

FAQs

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

You can use "a massive backlog of" to describe a large accumulation of items or tasks that need to be processed. For example, "The department is struggling with "a massive backlog of applications"".

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

Alternatives include "a substantial accumulation of", "a large number of delayed" items, or "a significant queue of", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a large backlog" or "a massive backlog of"?

The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey. "A large backlog" is suitable for a general situation, while "a massive backlog of" emphasizes a particularly overwhelming accumulation. You can also check "a huge backlog of".

What kind of situations typically involve "a massive backlog of"?

This phrase is often used in contexts involving government agencies, customer service departments, or any organization dealing with a high volume of requests or tasks. Examples include "a massive backlog of orders", cases, or paperwork.