a vast backlog of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast backlog of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large accumulation of tasks, requests, or items that have not been completed or addressed. Example: "The company is currently facing a vast backlog of customer service inquiries that need to be resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

One impediment to the sector's recovery is a vast backlog of unsold inventory, while a shaky job market has also made consumers reluctant to embark on any major new financial commitments.

The New York Times

There is anecdotal evidence that corruption is rife in most industries that interact with the government: those that require licences, access to natural resources or changes in the law.One government mandarin talks of a vast backlog of vital projects, such as mines and industrial plants, some of them half-finished, that break current rules and are possibly bent.

The Economist

I do a lot of very, very difficult orthopedic cases and there's a fairly small number of hospitals in the country that do really very difficult orthopedics, so there is no one that has a vast backlog of experience on these types of cases.

The New York Times

One key impediment to the sector's recovery is a vast backlog of unsold inventory, while a shaky job market has also made consumers reluctant to embark on any major new financial commitments.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

With sales up 45percentt from last year, the vast backlog of inventory has diminished.

The New York Times

Add them to the vast backlog of people on employment support allowance, awaiting work capability assessments – and those savings written into Osborne's budgets have also vanished as the system collapsed.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while EU conditionality has focused overwhelmingly on ICTY co-operation, rather than justice delivered through domestic courts, the vast backlog of domestic cases continues to pile up, and incomplete vetting of postwar judiciaries has understandably failed to foster faith in the rule of law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier this year, Los Angeles lawmakers abandoned the idea of seeking a sales tax increase to repair streets and sidewalks, leaving it unclear how they would pay for the vast backlog of work.

Los Angeles Times

A huge backlog of cases?

The Guardian

There is a huge backlog of unsold homes.

The Economist

There is a huge backlog of outstanding work in housebuilding.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vast backlog of", ensure that the noun following "of" is plural to accurately reflect the accumulated nature of the backlog. For example, "a vast backlog of orders".

Common error

Avoid using a singular noun after "of" when describing the items in the backlog. Instead of saying "a vast backlog of task", use "a vast backlog of tasks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast backlog of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a large accumulation of something, often implying that the accumulation is undesirable or problematic. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vast backlog of" is a noun phrase used to describe a large accumulation of pending items or tasks. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and functions to highlight a potentially problematic situation due to the accumulation. It's versatile enough for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase is best used with plural nouns following "of", and alternatives such as "a significant accumulation of" can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a backlog of considerable magnitude

Stresses the great size or importance of the backlog.

a massive accumulation of delayed tasks

Highlights the scale of the accumulation and the fact that the tasks are overdue.

a huge volume of unprocessed requests

Highlights the large number of requests that have not yet been handled.

a significant accumulation of

Focuses on the gradual increase over time, emphasizing the quantity that has built up.

an extensive collection of outstanding issues

Emphasizes the unresolved nature and broad scope of the issues.

a considerable pile of

Implies a haphazard arrangement and a significant amount needing attention.

a mountain of unfinished work

Uses a metaphor to convey the daunting size of the work remaining.

a substantial inventory of

More suitable when referring to tangible items or goods that are awaiting processing or sale.

a large quantity of pending items

Directly states there are numerous items waiting to be processed.

a major stockpile of

Suggests a reserve or accumulation of resources or items.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast backlog of" to describe a large number of pending tasks, items, or cases. For example, "The company is dealing with "a vast backlog of" customer orders."

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

Alternatives include "a significant accumulation of", "a considerable pile of", or "a substantial inventory of", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a vast backlog of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing business or administrative situations. Its formality is neutral and widely accepted.

What is the difference between ""a vast backlog of"" and "a large number of"?

"A vast backlog of" implies a collection of items that should have been dealt with already, whereas "a large number of" simply indicates quantity without the implication of being overdue or pending.