serious backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious 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 in a timely manner. Example: "Due to the recent surge in demand, we are currently facing a serious backlog in processing orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Canada has tested only about 10,000 animals in the last decade, and has had a serious backlog of cases.

The New York Times

The lack of structure means you can easily allow a serious backlog of work to build up.

The Guardian

Passport Office staff are to strike on Monday over staff shortages which they say have led to a serious backlog in processing applications this year.

The Guardian

David W. Chen (NYT) ALBANY: McCALL FAULTS INSPECTION LAW A new law requiring annual inspections of retail food stores raises concerns over how the requirement would be met because the state already has a serious backlog of under-inspected sites, H. Carl McCall, the state comptroller, said yesterday.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, none were open, and on Wednesday just one out of four was operational creating a serious backlog for cases that would have normally been divvied up.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Six years earlier, and every year after, the inspector general for the Department of Veterans Affairs warned of serious backlogs and unreliable recordkeeping in the VA's health care system, on which millions of veterans rely.

Huffington Post

This included nominating two members of the Supreme Court, which is said by insiders to have distracted the entire White House counsel's office for ten weeks on each occasion.Wherever the fault lies, the backlog is a serious problem.

The Economist

Generous room sizes, eat-in kitchens and light and air characterize the interior layouts of many public housing apartments, now facing enormous repair backlogs and other serious problems.

The New York Times

The DA's office described the policy as one that will allow "the NYPD to devote its resources to investigating serious crimes, while further reducing the backlog of cases in criminal court".

The Guardian

Widespread use of limited resources in developing BBDR models will only further exacerbate the present serious problem presented by this huge backlog of chemicals for which risk assessments are needed to support exposure standards.

Environmental Health Perspectives

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 "serious backlog", ensure that you provide context regarding what is backlogged. For example, specify whether it's a backlog of orders, cases, or applications to give the reader a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "serious backlog" without specifying the consequences or impact of the backlog. Detail the implications of the backlog, such as delayed service, increased costs, or compromised quality, to convey the full extent of the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious backlog" functions as a noun phrase where "serious" is an adjective modifying the noun "backlog". As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to describe a significant accumulation of tasks, orders, or requests that have not been completed or addressed in a timely manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious backlog" is a grammatically sound and widely understood way to describe a significant accumulation of pending tasks, orders, or requests. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, especially in contexts that address operational inefficiencies. As analyzed, it is most prevalent in "News & Media", "Science" and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using this phrase, it is best practice to clearly specify the nature of the backlog and its impact. Alternative phrases include "significant accumulation" or "substantial delays", depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe accumulation

Similar to "significant accumulation" but uses "severe" to intensify the gravity of the accumulation.

significant accumulation

Replaces "backlog" with a more general term for accumulation, while "significant" conveys the severity.

substantial delays

Focuses on the delay aspect of a backlog, emphasizing the extended timeframe.

considerable outstanding work

Highlights the unfinished nature of the work and that amount of work is considerable.

extensive queue

Replaces "backlog" with "queue", suggesting a waiting line, and "extensive" emphasizes its size.

major logjam

Uses "logjam" as a metaphor for blockage, with "major" indicating the extent of the problem.

critical pileup

Emphasizes the piling up of tasks or items, with "critical" highlighting the urgency or importance.

acute arrearage

Replaces "backlog" with the more formal term "arrearage", implying a debt or obligation, and "acute" denotes the severity.

large unprocessed volume

Highlights the quantity of items that have not been processed.

overwhelming pending workload

Focuses on the workload aspect of a backlog, describing it as overwhelming and pending.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious backlog" to describe a large accumulation of pending tasks, orders, or cases. For example: "The department is facing a "serious backlog" of visa applications due to staffing shortages."

What are some alternatives to saying "serious backlog"?

Some alternatives include "significant accumulation", "substantial delays", or "extensive queue", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What kind of problems can cause a "serious backlog"?

A "serious backlog" can be caused by various factors such as understaffing, increased demand, inefficient processes, or unexpected disruptions like a pandemic or natural disaster.

How does a "serious backlog" affect an organization?

A "serious backlog" can lead to customer dissatisfaction, decreased efficiency, increased costs, and potential damage to the organization's reputation. Addressing the "serious backlog" is important to maintain productivity and profitability.