backlog of tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backlog of tasks" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a large quantity of work that has accumulated over time and needs to be completed. Example sentence: I'm feeling overwhelmed by the backlog of tasks that have been piling up at work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You just end up getting a massive backlog of tasks and you lose sight of what's really important".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This backlogging of tasks may lead to instability.

Journal of Cloud Computing

These, together with the backlog of maintenance tasks from before the war, took a further 10 years to complete and the programme was not completed until the 1960s.

Wikipedia

It also has a backlog of problem reports and preventive maintenance tasks, he said.

The New York Times

completion of tasks.

WikiHow

If you feel crushed under a backlog of responsibilities, start with a few small or fast tasks.

WikiHow

Organised crime, corruption and a judiciary buried under a backlog of hundreds of thousands of cases are only the most urgent tasks.The campaign was boring, the candidates dull and people are fed up, says Ivo Banac, a historian and commentator.

The Economist

The federal government has pledged to send a task-force of lawyers to plough through a backlog of cases in Maranhão.

The Economist

This could have some promise, but with a backlog of several thousand shots, getting a library up to date in Places is a task I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

TechCrunch

John Oliva, a former Suffolk cop who served with Trotta on the task force targeting MS-13, said he never encountered a delay or backlog of cases with ICE during the Bush or Obama administrations.

Vice

Or with a backlog of e-mails.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing a substantial "backlog of tasks", prioritize ruthlessly. Focus on those with the highest impact or closest deadlines to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Common error

While "backlog of tasks" is acceptable in many settings, be mindful of overuse in very informal conversations. Simpler terms like "a lot to do" or "plenty of work" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backlog of tasks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a collection of work items that have accumulated and need to be addressed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backlog of tasks" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to an accumulation of work that needs to be completed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and wiki contexts, and is considered to have a neutral register, suitable for a variety of professional and informational settings. When using this phrase, consider the potential for simpler alternatives in casual conversation and prioritize tasks strategically to manage the workload effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Backlog of responsibilities

Swaps "tasks" for "responsibilities", indicating a shift in focus to duties.

Accumulation of duties

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation" focusing on the gathering nature of the tasks.

Pileup of responsibilities

Uses "pileup" instead of "backlog", suggesting a less organized and more chaotic accumulation.

Outstanding tasks

Focuses on the uncompleted aspect of the tasks, omitting the accumulation aspect.

List of pending assignments

Replaces "backlog" with a more neutral "list", emphasizing the formal nature of the tasks.

Overload of duties

Highlights the excessive amount of work, suggesting a sense of being overwhelmed.

Unfinished work

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the incomplete nature of the work.

Accumulated workload

Combines the idea of accumulation with the concept of workload.

Inventory of tasks

Presents tasks as items in an inventory, giving a more structured and less urgent feel.

Queue of assignments

Uses the concept of a queue, suggesting an order in which the tasks should be completed.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "backlog of tasks" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "accumulation of duties", "inventory of tasks", or "outstanding assignments".

What's a simpler way to say "backlog of tasks" in casual conversation?

In casual contexts, you could say "a lot to do", "plenty of work", or "a pile of things to get done".

Is there a difference between a "backlog of tasks" and a "queue of tasks"?

While both refer to a collection of tasks, "backlog of tasks" often implies an accumulation due to delay or inefficiency, while a "queue of tasks" suggests a more orderly waiting line for processing.

How does a "backlog of tasks" differ from an "overload of tasks"?

A "backlog of tasks" simply means there's an accumulation. An "overload of tasks" suggests the amount of work exceeds capacity, causing stress or difficulty.