eliminate the backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eliminate the backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to clear or reduce a collection of pending tasks or items. Example: "Our goal this quarter is to eliminate the backlog of customer service requests to improve response times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Similarly, Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, called for "presidential leadership" to eliminate the backlog.

The New York Times

Jayne O'Connor, Governor Whitman's press secretary, said that the governor has consistently directed the board to eliminate the backlog.

The New York Times

Even if a new board were appointed soon, it could take two years to eliminate the backlog.

The Washington Post

Last week, Mr. Bloomberg promised to eliminate the backlog by spending $40 million to add 300 workers to the current repair work force of 2,000.

The New York Times

The New York State chief judge, Jonathan Lippman, promised in January to eliminate the backlog in six months, "if not sooner".

The New York Times

The legislation also aims to eliminate the backlog of 4.7 million immigrants who have applied to come here legally and have been languishing waiting for green cards.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"We want to use the revenue to make the investment in technology and infrastructure to help eliminate the backlogs," William R. Yates, the agency's top immigration services official, said in a telephone interview today after reporting on the program to Congress.

The New York Times

Lynch said eliminating the backlog was one of the Justice Department's "top priorities".

The Guardian

Reducing or even eliminating the backlog [of 150,000 cases] will require additional resources".

The Guardian

It said the Ombudsman Service should set out a clear timetable for cutting and ultimately eliminating the backlog.

The Guardian - Money

In November, Pruitt said his staff has focused on eliminating the backlog of records requests filed during the Obama administration over responding to more recent requests.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize clarity in communication, opting for "eliminate the backlog" when a complete clearing is intended. If a reduction is sufficient, consider alternatives like "reduce the backlog".

Common error

Don't use "eliminate the backlog" without specifying what constitutes the backlog. A vague statement like "We need to eliminate the backlog" leaves room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eliminate the backlog" functions primarily as a directive, calling for the removal of accumulated tasks or items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and understandable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eliminate the backlog" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the need to clear accumulated tasks or items. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase carries a neutral register, suitable for various contexts. While ""eliminate the backlog"" implies complete removal, alternatives like "reduce the backlog" or "resolve the backlog" may be more appropriate depending on the specific goal. When using the phrase, be sure to specify what the "backlog" refers to for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear the backlog

Uses a more informal verb, "clear", instead of "eliminate", implying a complete removal.

resolve the backlog

Replaces "eliminate" with "resolve", focusing on finding a solution to the accumulation.

reduce the backlog

Focuses on lessening the amount, rather than complete removal, of the backlog.

eradicate the backlog

Emphasizes a complete and thorough removal of the backlog, more forceful than "eliminate".

obliterate the backlog

Similar to "eradicate" but even stronger, suggesting a forceful and complete removal.

expunge the backlog

Suggests removing the backlog as if it were a record, focusing on complete deletion.

address the backlog

Focuses on dealing with or managing the backlog, rather than necessarily eliminating it.

tackle the backlog

Implies actively working to reduce or eliminate the backlog, suggesting effort and engagement.

work through the backlog

Focuses on the process of addressing each item in the backlog until it is resolved.

get rid of the backlog

A more casual way of saying "eliminate", implying a desire to be free of the burden of the backlog.

FAQs

What does "eliminate the backlog" mean?

The phrase "eliminate the backlog" means to completely clear or resolve an accumulation of pending tasks, items, or cases. It implies a goal of having no outstanding items remaining.

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

You might say, "The department is implementing new strategies to "eliminate the backlog" of unprocessed applications by the end of the quarter."

What are some alternatives to "eliminate the backlog"?

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

Is it always necessary to completely "eliminate the backlog", or is it sometimes enough to just reduce it?

Whether to completely ""eliminate the backlog"" or simply reduce it depends on the specific situation and goals. Sometimes reducing the backlog to a manageable level is sufficient, while other times complete elimination is necessary to meet objectives.