a significant backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number of tasks, orders, or requests that have not yet been completed or addressed. Example: "Due to the recent surge in demand, we are currently facing a significant backlog in processing orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But a significant backlog remains.

The New York Times

Sadly, despite tens of millions of dollar in federal grants, a significant backlog remains.

The New York Times

In addition, Mr. Dillon wrote, commissioners' productivity is not monitored, creating "a significant backlog of cases".

The New York Times

The ombudsman found a significant backlog in dealing with review requests.

The Guardian

Its sudden emergence has stressed the network, causing a significant backlog of pending transactions.

MIT Technology Review

But Cameron said: "There is now a significant backlog of orders and we are confident of a strong Christmas season".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

On the Big Board, Agilent was off 6.3%, after warning during Thursday's post-close session that third-quarter sales would fall sequentially, blaming a big decline in orders and significant backlog shipments during the second quarter.

Forbes

In a letter to all arbitrators, he warned that as of June 2000, he would not allow his legal staff to pick any arbitrator "who has a significant, unexplained backlog, or who by his or her actions demonstrates a lack of courage to dismiss teachers who should not be in the classroom".

The New York Times

But in relocating them the federal government is exacerbating the city's own significant backlog: roughly eighty thousand pending cases and an average delay of six hundred and twenty-five days per case.

The New Yorker

Telephone operations were greatly enhanced following privatization in the late 1990s, and the improved service made great strides in addressing the significant backlog of requests for residential lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In roughly that same period, as judges worked with a shrinking support staff and scrutiny over the growing disability rolls heightened, the average judge went from deciding 12 cases weekly to deciding fewer than 10, contributing to the significant backlog.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant backlog", be specific about what constitutes the backlog. For example, specify if it's a backlog of orders, cases, or applications to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of "a significant backlog" without providing evidence or concrete examples. Simply stating that it is 'catastrophic' lacks credibility. Instead, explain the specific negative effects, such as delayed timelines or reduced customer satisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant backlog" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI affirms that the expression is appropriate for use in English. Its function is to describe a state of accumulation, such as “a significant backlog of cases.”

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant backlog" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a large accumulation of pending items or tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. It’s frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about the nature of the backlog to ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "a substantial accumulation" or "a considerable delay" to add nuance. Avoid overstating the impact without justification. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "a significant backlog" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial accumulation

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" and "significant" with "substantial", focusing on the amount that has built up.

a considerable delay

Shifts the focus from the items themselves to the resulting delay caused by the uncompleted work.

a large number of outstanding items

Specifies that the backlog consists of "outstanding items", emphasizing that the items remain unresolved.

a mounting pile of work

Uses a more visual metaphor to describe the increasing volume of uncompleted tasks.

an extensive queue

Replaces "backlog" with "queue", suggesting that items are waiting in line for processing.

a sizable inventory of unfinished tasks

Emphasizes the uncompleted nature of the tasks and their considerable size.

an overwhelming accumulation

Highlights the feeling of being burdened by the sheer quantity of items in the backlog.

a serious logjam

Uses a metaphor to describe the blockage or standstill caused by the backlog.

a critical mass of pending requests

Focuses on requests that are awaiting action and have reached a concerning level.

a bottleneck

Highlights the problem of limited throughput in relation to the amount of work.

FAQs

What does "a significant backlog" mean?

The phrase "a significant backlog" refers to a large accumulation of pending tasks, orders, or items that need to be processed or completed. It suggests a substantial amount of work that is overdue or waiting to be handled.

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

You might say, "The company is facing "a significant backlog" of customer orders due to increased demand," or, "The court system has "a significant backlog" of cases waiting to be heard."

What are some alternatives to "a significant backlog"?

Alternatives include "a substantial accumulation", "a considerable delay", or "a large number of outstanding items" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a significant backlog" or "a considerable backlog"?

Both "a significant backlog" and "a considerable backlog" are correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference, although "significant" might imply a slightly larger or more impactful backlog.