with a backlog of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a backlog of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an accumulation of tasks, orders, or requests that have not yet been completed or addressed. Example: "The company is currently facing challenges with a backlog of customer orders that need to be fulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Appointed to lead the Catholic Church there a decade ago, he has been hailed for dealing with a backlog of cases of priestly sexual abuse.

The New York Times

Or with a backlog of e-mails.

The New Yorker

And we ended up with a backlog of nearly half a million cases.

Independent

The Secaucus warehouse opened Nov. 1, with a backlog of 1,500 e-commerce orders.

The New York Times

But be patient — the company says it is dealing with a backlog of requests.

The New York Times - Tech

He now has to juggle an overhaul of rail policy with a backlog of franchise renewals.

The Guardian

Its courts are clogged with a backlog of 800,000 various criminal cases; its jails are filled to capacity.

The New York Times

In 2011 the government stopped accepting new applications for licences while it dealt with a backlog of 19,000.

The Economist

We sit in his peanut gallery waiting to jump up and scream ourselves hoarse with a backlog of "Amens".

The New York Times

And with a backlog of applications, it can take months for the department to consider a submission.

The New York Times

In December it stopped accepting new customers via price comparison sites while it dealt with a backlog of issues.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with a backlog of", be specific about what is causing the accumulation, and the effects or consequences of that backlog. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "with a backlog of" without specifying what type of items or tasks constitute the backlog. For example, instead of saying "The department is dealing with a backlog", specify "The department is dealing with a backlog of customer service requests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a backlog of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It adds information about the existence of an accumulation of items or tasks, such as "cases", "orders", or "applications". Ludwig confirms this common usage pattern.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with a backlog of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an accumulation of tasks or items needing attention. Ludwig analysis of numerous examples from diverse sources highlights its frequent use in news and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, be specific about the nature of the backlog to provide clarity. While alternatives like "with an accumulation of" or "with pending" exist, "with a backlog of" remains a clear and effective choice for indicating such situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with pending

Highlights the unresolved status of tasks or requests, indicating they are awaiting action.

with an accumulation of

Focuses on the gradual gathering or piling up of items, highlighting the process.

with a queue of

Emphasizes an ordered waiting line, focusing on sequence and delay.

with a pileup of

Suggests a chaotic accumulation, often related to accidents or sudden events.

with outstanding

Implies that there are items that are not yet settled or completed.

with unfinished

Stresses that things are incomplete, needing further work or attention.

with a surplus of

Indicates an excess or oversupply, emphasizing the quantity rather than the pending nature.

with an excess of

Highlights that there is too much or more than is needed, similar to "surplus".

with a glut of

Implies an excessive oversupply that can cause problems or reduce value.

with a reserve of

Indicates something kept back or saved, implying a strategic accumulation for future use.

FAQs

How can I use "with a backlog of" in a sentence?

You can use "with a backlog of" to indicate an accumulation of tasks, items, or cases that need to be processed. For example: "The office is "dealing with" a backlog of applications".

What are some alternatives to "with a backlog of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with a surplus of", "with an accumulation of", or "with pending", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a backlog of cases" or "cases in backlog"?

"A backlog of cases" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Cases in backlog" is less frequently used and may sound awkward.

What's the difference between "with a backlog of" and "overwhelmed by"?

"With a backlog of" indicates an accumulation of unfinished tasks, while "overwhelmed by" describes a feeling of being burdened or unable to cope with a large quantity of something. While related, they have different focuses.