discuss the backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discuss the backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a conversation or meeting focused on addressing pending tasks or issues that need attention. Example: "During our next team meeting, we will discuss the backlog of projects that have accumulated over the past month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Huffington Post called McDonald in August and again last week to discuss the backlog.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

[C1.] Wall Street Firms to Discuss Derivatives Trades The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has called a meeting of Wall Street firms to discuss the backlogs in processing credit derivatives trades.

The New York Times

The problem is, as we discussed earlier, the backlog for Indian immigrants forces many of them to wait a lifetime.

Forbes

Valliathal and Uthayakumar (2011) discussed the optimal pricing and replenishment policies of an EOQ model for non-instantaneous deteriorating items with partial backlogging over an infinite time horizon.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Plowman said he and an assistant had two meetings with sheriff's officials in February 2013 to discuss a huge backlog of forfeiture cases, which had occurred because the suspected deputy had quietly declined to serve the paperwork on the defendants for many years and the cases had sat in limbo.

The Washington Post

As discussed, a backlog of cases likely contributes to the high volume encountered here.

Conflict and Health

A spokesman for Mellon, Ron Gruendl, declined to discuss details about backlogs or how or where the documents were hidden.

The New York Times

The backlog in generic review, generic drug user fees, and "quality by design" for generic drugs is also discussed.

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B

"These comebacks and their style of play had given their progress a 'name on the trophy' kinda feel, as well as creating the fixture backlog already discussed in the Knowledge.

The Guardian - Sport

Recently, Garg discussed solving factory backlogs and helping shop owners grow their businesses.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Now, the backlog is growing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discuss the backlog", ensure the context clearly defines what type of backlog is being referenced (e.g. project backlog, order backlog).

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure who is leading the discussion or taking action on the backlog. Be direct by stating who will "discuss the backlog" and what outcomes are expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discuss the backlog" serves as a verb phrase indicating the act of having a conversation or meeting with the purpose of addressing and resolving a collection of pending tasks, items, or issues. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discuss the backlog" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing a conversation or meeting focused on addressing pending tasks or issues. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for professional settings. When writing, remember to clearly define the type of backlog and avoid passive constructions. Alternative phrases like "review the backlog" or "address the backlog" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

review the backlog

Focuses on examining the backlog in detail.

address the backlog

Emphasizes taking action to resolve the backlog.

examine the backlog

Highlights a detailed inspection of the backlog.

consider the backlog

Suggests giving thought to the backlog and its implications.

analyze the backlog

Implies a thorough, data-driven assessment of the backlog.

assess the backlog

Focuses on evaluating the size and impact of the backlog.

deliberate on the backlog

Implies a careful and thorough discussion about the backlog.

talk about the backlog

A more informal way to refer to a discussion of the backlog.

go over the backlog

Suggests a casual, step-by-step review of the backlog.

handle the backlog

Focuses on the management and resolution of the backlog.

FAQs

What does "discuss the backlog" mean?

The phrase "discuss the backlog" means to have a conversation or meeting about a list of pending tasks, items, or issues that need attention or resolution. This is often used in project management, software development, and business contexts.

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

You can use alternatives like "review the backlog", "address the backlog", or "examine the backlog" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "discuss the backlog"?

It is appropriate to use "discuss the backlog" in formal settings like project meetings, business reviews, and planning sessions where the goal is to analyze and strategize about managing pending tasks or issues.

Is "discuss the backlog" formal or informal?

"Discuss the backlog" is generally considered neutral to professional in tone. While not overly formal, it's suitable for business and project-related communications. More informal options would be like "talk about the backlog".