such a backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "such a backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant accumulation of tasks, work, or items that need to be addressed or completed. Example: "Due to the recent surge in orders, we now have such a backlog that it will take weeks to catch up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A year later, Australia had such a backlog of grapes that wine was selling cheaper than soft drinks.

Vice

But many accumulate such a backlog of sleep debt that they don't sufficiently recover on the weekend and still wake up fatigued when Monday comes around.

Stanford University

Also, such a backlog of applications built up at America's patent office (now more than 1m, with a waiting time of around three years) that standards slipped.

The Economist

Such a backlog leads to significant delays: Last year, the average case in criminal court took 316 days to go from arraignment to completion, he said.

The New York Times

He'd complained to his landlord repeatedly, with no luck, and the council had such a backlog, they weren't able to help.

The Guardian

It now takes about three years, on average, for a patent application to be approved, and the office has such a backlog that it takes two years for examiners to begin work on a new application.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In 2011, the National Institute of Justice studied Detroit's log-jammed forensics laboratory to find out why the city had such a staggering backlog.

The Guardian

"There was such a large backlog of women waiting to get in". But Ms. Buchanan said she expected the number to keep rising.

The New York Times

"We're just about managing, with personal independence payments [disability benefit] and some other money, but with such a rent backlog and hundreds of pounds owed on electricity, and without that patience from the housing association she would've been on the streets.

The Guardian

The internal email, sent in late September and uncovered by Channel 4's Dispatches as part of an investigation into UC to air on Monday evening, appears to show that one of the 60 centres where the scheme has been rolled out is generating such a substantial backlog of claims, centre staff will have to work three times more than their limit to clear it.

The Guardian

On the flip side, such firms have a backlog of portfolio companies from previous buyouts that they have been unable to sell during the last several years, and will now look to move those companies in better economic times.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "such a backlog", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being accumulated. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "such a backlog" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in very informal settings. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "such a backlog" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig AI shows it describes a substantial accumulation of tasks, items, or work that needs to be addressed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "such a backlog" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant accumulation of tasks or items. According to Ludwig AI, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in academic and wiki sources. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying what constitutes the "backlog" to avoid ambiguity. When in doubt, simpler alternatives like "significant accumulation" can be used, especially in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant accumulation

Replaces "backlog" with a more general term for accumulation and "such a" with "significant".

substantial accumulation

Replaces "such a" with "substantial" to describe the scale of accumulation.

extensive accumulation

Uses "extensive" instead of "such a" to indicate the scope of the accumulation.

considerable queue

Substitutes "backlog" with "queue", emphasizing a waiting line or sequence.

considerable amount of pending work

Replaces "backlog" with "pending work", highlighting the undone tasks.

large volume of pending items

Rephrases to highlight the quantity and unresolved status of the items.

huge number of outstanding tasks

Highlights the magnitude and unfinished state of the tasks.

overwhelming accumulation

Focuses on the burdensome nature of the accumulated items.

massive pile-up

Emphasizes the chaotic accumulation using the term "pile-up".

serious inventory surplus

Rephrases the phrase in the context of inventory management.

FAQs

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

You can use "such a backlog" to describe a significant accumulation of tasks, items, or work needing to be addressed. For example, "Due to the holidays, the shipping department has "such a backlog" of orders to process."

What are some alternatives to saying "such a backlog"?

Alternatives to "such a backlog" include "significant accumulation", "considerable queue", or "substantial accumulation". Each alternative may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a large backlog" or "such a backlog"?

Both "a large backlog" and "such a backlog" are grammatically correct. "Such a backlog" often implies a surprisingly or exceptionally large accumulation, while "a large backlog" is a more neutral statement.

How does "such a backlog" compare to "a backlog of this magnitude"?

"Such a backlog" is a more concise way to express the same idea as "a backlog of this magnitude". Both phrases indicate a substantial accumulation, but "such a backlog" is typically more informal.