major backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant accumulation of tasks, orders, or requests that have not been completed or addressed. Example: "Due to the recent surge in demand, we are currently facing a major backlog in processing orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A major backlog of RTI appeals exists.

The Guardian

Limited funding by the current and previous government has created a major backlog.

The Guardian - Opinion

They describe the department's firearms section, which processes seized guns by test-firing them and matching casings, as having a major backlog of unprocessed illegal pistols.

The New York Times

"For F.D.A., a Major Backlog Overseas" (news article, Jan . 29 is a sobering reminder that the Food and Drug Administration is stretched to its breaking point and cannot fulfill its food safety mandate without additional resources.

The New York Times

Ms. Baldassare said that in 2002, when a major backlog of unpaid parking violations was discovered, the town stepped up efforts to collect the fines and significantly reduced the amount of money owed.

The New York Times

But as the technicians prepared for their experiments that spring—under significant pressure to clear a major backlog of work and to operate the machine at what a report called Godiva's "upper energy range"—they committed several grievous errors, according to government reports.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

CBP officials have said the agency is so overwhelmed that it has begun immediately releasing migrants into the country to await their immigration court hearings, a process that can take more than a year because of major backlogs.

The Washington Post

Can funds be secured quickly enough to avoid a major fixture backlog?

The Guardian - Sport

Five recent games at the Belfast Loughshore Arena have been postponed in recent weeks which has left Carrick with a major fixtures backlog.

BBC

We plan to return scientists to our parks and to work with Congress to eliminate the major maintenance backlogs that have been obstacles to resource protection, and to do that within five years.

The New York Times

Instead, it has a backlog of major problems and some serious issues of public perception to deal with.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "major backlog", ensure the context clearly defines what is backlogged. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of the "major backlog" without providing data or evidence to support your claims. Instead, present factual information to demonstrate the actual impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major backlog" functions as a noun phrase, where "major" modifies the noun "backlog". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it adheres to standard English grammar rules. The phrase typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major backlog" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant accumulation of pending items or tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across news, business, and academic contexts. While not exceedingly common, its meaning is clear and readily understood. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide sufficient context and avoid exaggerating the impact without supporting data. Alternative phrases such as "significant delay" or "substantial queue" may be suitable depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial queue

Replaces "backlog" with "queue", implying a waiting line or sequence.

significant delay

Focuses on the delay aspect rather than the accumulation of items.

considerable accumulation

Emphasizes the gathering of items more than the delay.

large accumulation

Similar to "considerable accumulation" but with a less formal tone.

extensive buildup

Suggests a gradual increase in the number of pending items.

sizeable accumulation

Indicates the accumulation is of a considerable size.

heavy workload

Shifts the focus to the amount of work that needs to be done.

massive inventory

Emphasizes the size of the inventory that is pending.

extensive waiting list

Highlights a significant list of pending requests or applications.

critical logjam

Highlights a blockage preventing forward movement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "major backlog" in a sentence?

Use "major backlog" to describe a significant accumulation of uncompleted tasks or pending items. For example: "The department is experiencing a "major backlog" of customer service requests."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "major backlog"?

Alternatives include "substantial queue", "significant delay", or "considerable accumulation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "major backlog" in formal writing?

Yes, "major backlog" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and that you provide sufficient context. For example: "The organization is working diligently to mitigate the "major backlog" in processing applications."

What's the difference between "major backlog" and "minor backlog"?

"Major backlog" implies a substantial accumulation causing significant delays or problems, while "minor backlog" suggests a smaller, more manageable accumulation. The choice depends on the scale of the issue being described.