long backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long backlog" is correct and usable in written (and spoken) English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone (or some task) has a lot of work to do, usually because the task has been neglected or delayed for some time. Example: "After weeks of procrastination, the project manager realized that he had a long backlog of emails waiting for his attention".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

When it reopened, there was a long backlog of departing and arriving flights.

The New York Times

As a result, until the long backlog of visa requests for Mexicans clears, he cannot be employed in America.

The Economist

It is to be open to the public starting Monday, though there is a long backlog of reservations.

The New York Times

There is a long backlog in orders for specialized ethanol rail cars to ship the surplus production.

The New York Times

Mobile operators have a long backlog of technologies to sell, and many, such as picture messaging and videotelephony, have been coolly received by customers.

The Economist

Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, the need for Americans with security clearances to work for the Pentagon and military contractors has soared, with a long backlog building up in the early years of the Bush administration.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Long backlogs of requests for information, along with responses that take a year or more, are common.

The New York Times

And critics accuse Mr. Chaudhry of failing to reform the chaotic lower courts, which remain plagued by long backlogs.

The New York Times

A bill should swiftly clear long backlogs in legal immigration, and not burden the unauthorized with onerous penalties that would only keep them in the shadows.

The New York Times

Divorce is in chaos – long backlogs, people representing themselves through court hearings they don't understand, a process already too hot with anger to go through mediation strung out for unjust periods.

The Guardian

When July's mother arrived in the United States, she quickly applied for a visa for July, vowing, despite long backlogs for such visas, to get July out soon, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "long backlog", clearly specify what the backlog consists of to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "a long backlog of customer orders" or "a long backlog of software updates".

Common error

Avoid using "long backlog" repeatedly without providing specific details. Vary your language by using synonyms or describing the specific nature of the backlog to maintain reader interest and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long backlog" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant accumulation of pending items, tasks, or requests. Ludwig provides examples from various contexts demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long backlog" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant accumulation of pending tasks, requests, or items. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is used in both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. The phrase frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific and business contexts. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify what the backlog consists of. When writing, avoid overuse and consider using synonyms like "substantial accumulation" or "protracted delay" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive queue

Replaces "backlog" with "queue", emphasizing a waiting line.

substantial accumulation

Substitutes both words with synonyms that focus on the quantity.

protracted delay

Uses "protracted" to emphasize the length of the delay, replacing "backlog" with "delay".

considerable buildup

Emphasizes the gradual increase, replacing "backlog" with "buildup".

significant pileup

Suggests a chaotic accumulation, different in nuance from a planned backlog.

large inventory

Focuses on the quantity of items in stock, which might imply a backlog if not managed.

unresolved items

Refers to tasks or issues that remain incomplete and contribute to a backlog.

outstanding tasks

Highlights tasks that are yet to be completed, implying a backlog of work.

pending requests

Focuses specifically on requests that are waiting to be processed, a common type of backlog.

accumulated workload

Emphasizes the total amount of work that needs to be done, resulting in a backlog.

FAQs

How can I use "long backlog" in a sentence?

You can use "long backlog" to describe a situation where there is a significant accumulation of pending tasks, orders, or requests. For example, "The company is working to reduce the "long backlog" of customer service inquiries."

What are some alternatives to saying "long backlog"?

Alternatives to "long backlog" include "substantial accumulation", "protracted delay", or "extensive queue" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "lengthy backlog" or "long backlog"?

Both "lengthy backlog" and "long backlog" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations. While "long backlog" is more common, "lengthy backlog" can add variety to your writing.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "long backlog"?

The phrase "long backlog" is suitable for describing situations across a variety of sectors like business, technology, and government where tasks or requests have accumulated significantly. It's especially apt when emphasizing that the accumulation is causing delays or creating challenges.