address the backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "address the backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to deal with or resolve a collection of pending tasks or issues. Example: "The team is working hard to address the backlog of customer inquiries that have accumulated over the past month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

To address the backlog, the state set aside $95 million last November to finance loans for dam repair.

The New York Times

Second, as investment in the NHS grows, we need to address the backlog in underinvestment that can have a huge impact on family experience.

The Guardian

Former NAACP president Benjamin Jealous has made school renovation one of his top priorities and wants to address the backlog of construction projects, his campaign said.

The Washington Post

The construction in Harriman is part of a push to address the backlog of deferred maintenance and infrastructure projects across New York's state parks, which last spring received an infusion of $89 million from the governor and the Legislature for capital improvements.

The New York Times

It first takes the government to task for setting the target too low, arguing that 300,000 new houses need to be built every year to meet the needs of the country's growing population, address the backlog and moderate house prices.

The Guardian

She said the use of outsiders is the only way to address the backlog, but she has lobbied for amendments to the measure that would increase the level of state oversight on the corps of privatized so-called "licensed site professionals".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Rape victim Meaghan Ybos of Memphis has been crusading for legislation to address the backlogs for several years.

The Guardian

Beyond the quality-of-life court, the steps taken to address the backlogs include more regularly consenting to orally argue legal issues in low-level cases, rather than in written motions, a process that is far more drawn out, Ms. Friedman Agnifilo said.

The New York Times

Representative Antonio Parkinson, a co-sponsor of the TBI proposal, said some type of legislation needs to be passed to address the backlogs because besides rape victims there are individuals who have been falsely accused of rape and need the kits tested to be exonerated.

The Guardian

The $100 million specifically addressing the backlog will go toward hiring more judges and expanding the support staff.

The Washington Post

But neither the compromise bill under debate in the Senate nor a House bill introduced this year addresses the backlog.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify the backlog whenever possible. For instance, instead of saying "address the backlog of applications", specify "address the backlog of 5000 pending applications". This adds weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions that obscure who is responsible for addressing the backlog. For example, instead of "The backlog needs to be addressed", write "The team must address the backlog".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "address the backlog" functions as a call to action, urging the resolution or management of an accumulated set of tasks or issues. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct to use in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it being used in various contexts to highlight the need to tackle pending matters.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "address the backlog" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that calls for action to resolve a buildup of tasks or issues. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for English writing. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While alternatives like "resolve the accumulation" or "tackle the accumulation" exist, quantifying the backlog and using active voice can enhance clarity and impact. Common mistakes include overuse of passive voice, which can be prevented with some smart rewording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the accumulation

This alternative focuses on resolving the collected items, differing in the specific noun used.

tackle the accumulation

This alternative uses "tackle" instead of "address", suggesting a more proactive approach, and substitutes "backlog" with "accumulation".

eliminate the pileup

This option replaces both "address" and "backlog" with "eliminate" and "pileup", indicating a complete removal of the accumulated items.

clear the accumulation

This uses a different verb, "clear", emphasizing the action of removing the backlog.

manage the outstanding items

This alternative shifts the focus to managing rather than directly addressing the backlog and uses "outstanding items" for backlog.

handle the accumulation

This alternative replaces "address" with "handle", suggesting a practical approach to dealing with the backlog.

deal with the outstanding issues

This option uses "deal with" instead of "address" and "outstanding issues" to refer to the backlog.

work through the accumulation

This alternative suggests a step-by-step approach to reducing the backlog.

reduce the accumulation

This alternative focuses on diminishing the size of the backlog rather than fully addressing it.

diminish the outstanding amount

This option emphasizes reducing the size of the backlog, using "diminish" and "outstanding amount".

FAQs

What can I say instead of "address the backlog"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve the accumulation", "tackle the accumulation", or "eliminate the pileup" depending on the context.

How do I quantify the "address the backlog"?

Provide specific numbers. For example, "address the backlog of 2,000 customer service requests" or "address the backlog of $5 million in unpaid invoices". This adds clarity and impact.

Is it better to say "address the backlog" or "eliminate the backlog"?

The choice depends on your goal. "Address the backlog" suggests dealing with it systematically. "Eliminate the backlog" implies a complete removal, which may not always be feasible or necessary.

What are some common areas where backlogs need to be addressed?

Common areas include project management, customer service, software development, healthcare, and administrative tasks. Each area has unique strategies for addressing backlogs.