vast backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large accumulation of tasks, requests, or items that need to be addressed or processed. Example: "Due to the recent surge in orders, we currently have a vast backlog that we are working diligently to clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One impediment to the sector's recovery is a vast backlog of unsold inventory, while a shaky job market has also made consumers reluctant to embark on any major new financial commitments.

The New York Times

When the Democrats regained control of the Senate in 2001, however, party leaders agreed to rapidly process all but the most controversial candidates in order to fill the vast backlog created by Republican obstruction.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is anecdotal evidence that corruption is rife in most industries that interact with the government: those that require licences, access to natural resources or changes in the law.One government mandarin talks of a vast backlog of vital projects, such as mines and industrial plants, some of them half-finished, that break current rules and are possibly bent.

The Economist

It is encouraging the digitisation of proceedings and the settlement of disputes outside court (one cause of Italy's vast backlog is that Italians are so litigious).The idea that justice delayed might be justice denied has cut little ice until now.

The Economist

And while EU conditionality has focused overwhelmingly on ICTY co-operation, rather than justice delivered through domestic courts, the vast backlog of domestic cases continues to pile up, and incomplete vetting of postwar judiciaries has understandably failed to foster faith in the rule of law.

The Guardian - Opinion

I do a lot of very, very difficult orthopedic cases and there's a fairly small number of hospitals in the country that do really very difficult orthopedics, so there is no one that has a vast backlog of experience on these types of cases.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

By contrast, some city courts have vast backlogs.

The Economist

However, in a vast and developing country like India, with its huge backlog of unoperated cataract patients and their predominant rural habitat, this is likely to take a substantial time.

BMC Ophthalmology

A huge backlog of cases?

The Guardian

Airbus, too, has a huge backlog.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 — About 1,000 highly skilled legal immigrants, carrying placards and wearing T-shirts emblazoned with American flags, rallied Tuesday at the Capitol to protest long delays and vast bureaucratic backlogs in the immigration system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vast backlog", ensure the context clearly defines what is being accumulated (e.g., orders, applications, cases). This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "vast backlog" as a vague descriptor. Always provide quantifiable context to illustrate the magnitude of the backlog (e.g., "a vast backlog of 50,000 unprocessed applications").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast backlog" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "vast" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "backlog". This construction describes a large accumulation of tasks, items, or requests that are pending or unfulfilled. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and acceptable English construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vast backlog" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, denoting a significantly large accumulation of pending items or tasks. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and applicability. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, implying a neutral register suitable for professional communications. When using this phrase, specifying the context is essential to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "substantial accumulation" or "extensive accumulation" can be used to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive accumulation

Uses "extensive" instead of "vast", highlighting the scale of the accumulated items.

substantial accumulation

Replaces "vast" with "substantial" and "backlog" with "accumulation", focusing on the quantity and buildup.

significant queue

Replaces "backlog" with "queue", implying an ordered waiting line that is sizable.

huge amount awaiting processing

Highlights a very large quantity is in a state of waiting for completion.

large number of pending items

Breaks down the phrase to describe a large quantity of items that are awaiting processing.

major unresolved workload

Focuses on work remaining unfinished with the term "workload" and uses "major" to convey significance.

considerable inventory

Emphasizes the size of the "inventory" that is remaining or needing to be addressed.

massive pile-up

Uses the term "pile-up" to underscore that things are not just in a queue, but perhaps disorganized and mounting significantly.

unmanageable volume

Stresses that quantity exceeds handling capacity.

tremendous inventory excess

Highlights the problem as an overabundance, especially inventory related.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "vast backlog", specify what the backlog consists of and, if possible, provide context about the challenges it presents. For instance, "The company is struggling to manage a "vast backlog" of customer orders due to supply chain disruptions".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "vast backlog"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "substantial accumulation", "extensive accumulation", or "significant queue". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "large backlog" or "vast backlog"?

Both "large backlog" and "vast backlog" are correct, but "vast" implies a significantly greater quantity or scale than "large". Choose "vast" when emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the backlog.

What contributes to creating a "vast backlog" in business operations?

A "vast backlog" can arise from various factors, including increased demand, supply chain issues, staffing shortages, or inefficient processes. Addressing these underlying causes is crucial for effectively reducing the backlog.