backlog of cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'backlog of cases' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an accumulation of cases that requires attention, especially if they have been pending for a long time. For example: "The court system is struggling with a huge backlog of cases, with many of them being several years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The backlog of cases worsens fiscal problems.

The New York Times

A huge backlog of cases?

The Guardian

Its backlog of cases is lengthy.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is a roughly eight-month backlog of cases.

The New York Times

India's clogged court system has a huge backlog of cases.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

As the courts close or reduce capacity, the backlog of cases will increase.

The Guardian

The new system aimed to introduce faster decision-making to resolve the backlog of cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most immigration courts have closed during the shutdown, adding to a backlog of cases.

The Washington Post

A process called "early conciliation" was also introduced to clear out a backlog of cases.

Independent

They estimated that it would increase by 18,000 the backlog of cases before the board.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "backlog of cases", specify the context (e.g., court system, immigration, parole board) to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Do not use "backlog of cases" without providing context or quantification. Instead of saying "The agency has a backlog of cases", specify "The agency has a backlog of 500 cases related to disability claims".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backlog of cases" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific problem, indicating an accumulation of unresolved matters. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used to describe situations where there are delays and inefficiencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backlog of cases" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an accumulation of unresolved cases, especially in contexts like legal systems, immigration, or administrative processes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with its purpose being to inform or describe a problematic situation that needs addressing. Alternatives such as ""accumulation of cases"" or ""pending caseload"" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to clarify which specific cases are being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accumulation of cases

Emphasizes the increasing quantity of cases awaiting processing.

Pending caseload

Focuses on the number of cases that are currently unresolved and awaiting action.

Case buildup

Highlights the process of cases accumulating over time.

Outstanding cases

Refers to cases that have not yet been resolved or completed.

Unresolved cases

Highlights the lack of resolution for the cases in question.

Delayed cases

Focuses on the fact that the cases have been postponed or are behind schedule.

Inventory of cases

Similar to a business term, it views cases as items in an inventory system waiting to be processed.

Overload of cases

Emphasizes the excessive number of cases, suggesting a system is strained.

Queue of cases

Implies that cases are waiting in a line to be processed in order.

Logjam of cases

Illustrates the cases as being stuck and preventing progress, similar to logs in a river.

FAQs

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

You can use "backlog of cases" to describe a situation where there is an accumulation of unresolved cases, such as "The court system is struggling with a significant backlog of cases". Use it to indicate delays and inefficiencies in processing these cases.

What are some alternatives to "backlog of cases"?

Alternatives include "accumulation of cases", "pending caseload", or "case buildup", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What causes a "backlog of cases"?

A "backlog of cases" can be caused by various factors, including understaffing, budget constraints, increased demand, complex procedures, or unexpected events like shutdowns or crises.

How does a "backlog of cases" affect an organization?

A "backlog of cases" can lead to delays in decision-making, increased costs, decreased efficiency, and reduced public trust in the organization or system affected. It can also create stress and frustration for those waiting for their cases to be resolved.