clear the backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

'clear the backlog' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to completing outstanding tasks or projects that have not been addressed in a timely manner. For example, "We need to clear the backlog of paperwork before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even so, it will take some days to clear the backlog.

Independent

There was, however, no indication on how long it would take to clear the backlog.

Independent

A spokesman said the aim was to clear the backlog of cases by late September.

Independent

Laboratories are hard pressed to clear the backlog of collected samples.

The New York Times

These two forces should ultimately clear the backlog in the market and prop up prices.

The New York Times

Even the Republican senator Ted Cruz proposes adding hundreds more such judges to clear the backlog.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Stock said it could be a result of an effort to clear the backlog.

The New York Times

I spent three days, working 10 hours a day, to clear the backlog.

The Guardian

That is hardly great news for underwriters keen to clear the backlog of an estimated $20 billion worth of deals.

The New York Times

The UKBA has recently made huge efforts, at great cost, to clear the backlog of cases in recent months.

Independent

I had just managed to clear the backlog of jobs when my bleeper barked into life: "Cardiac arrest, ward x.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about improvements in efficiency or productivity, use "clear the backlog" to emphasize the successful completion of accumulated tasks and the return to a normal operational state. This usage helps convey a sense of progress and resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "clear the backlog" when referring to ongoing, continuous tasks. This phrase implies a finite list of items that can be fully addressed, not a process that is always generating new tasks. For continuous processes, focus on improving efficiency or throughput instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear the backlog" functions as a verb phrase, where "clear" acts as a transitive verb and "the backlog" serves as its direct object. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies the action of eliminating or resolving an accumulation of pending tasks or items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear the backlog" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively communicates the action of eliminating or reducing an accumulation of pending tasks or items. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reports and business articles to project management discussions, making it a versatile term. While the phrase is generally neutral, it should be used thoughtfully, ensuring it aligns with the finite nature of the task. Alternative phrases, such as "resolve the backlog" or "reduce the backlog", can provide nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the backlog

Focuses on resolving or settling the accumulated items.

eliminate the backlog

Emphasizes the complete removal of the accumulated items.

reduce the backlog

Highlights a decrease in the amount of accumulated items, rather than complete elimination.

work through the backlog

Emphasizes the process of addressing the accumulated items.

address the backlog

Focuses on dealing with or attending to the accumulated items.

catch up on pending tasks

Highlights the action of getting up to date with outstanding duties.

process outstanding items

Focuses on handling and completing the accumulated items.

get on top of things

Highlights achieving control over accumulated tasks and responsibilities.

resolve pending matters

Emphasizes settling outstanding issues or concerns.

expedite pending tasks

Highlights the action of accelerate the work done on the accumulated items.

FAQs

How can I use "clear the backlog" in a sentence?

You can use "clear the backlog" to describe completing a list of pending tasks. For example, "The team worked over the weekend to "clear the backlog" of customer support tickets."

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

You can use alternatives like "resolve the backlog", "eliminate the backlog", or "reduce the backlog" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "clear the backlog" or "cleared the backlog"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different tenses. "Clear the backlog" is in the imperative or infinitive form, while "cleared the backlog" is in the past tense. For example, "We need to "clear the backlog"" versus "We "cleared the backlog" yesterday."

What's the difference between "clear the backlog" and "catch up"?

"Clear the backlog" implies eliminating a specific list of accumulated tasks. "Catch up" suggests becoming current with ongoing responsibilities or tasks that are continually added.