a higher capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a higher capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability or potential of something to hold, contain, or process more than another. Example: "The new model of the storage device offers a higher capacity than its predecessor, allowing users to store more data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

An important measure of how much slack lingers in the economy showed that businesses were operating at a higher capacity.

The New York Times

This was in part a reference to the new Adler A-110, a model with a higher capacity magazine.

The Guardian

Other experts contend that Iraq, even at a higher capacity, would not displace Saudi Arabia in oil markets.

The New York Times

Big machines, in addition to a higher capacity, have strong motors, which is key for food such as pizza dough.

The Washington Post

Further parallelization to 96 and 384 samples would require a transfer of the protocol to a higher capacity robotic unit.

Nature

Compared to humans that acclimatise over time, native populations in these regions are born with better oxygenation, enlarged lung volumes, and have a higher capacity for exercise.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Drawing on outside air gives the batteries a higher capacity-to-volume ratio and lowers the material costs.

MIT Technology Review

The company recently upgraded to a higher-capacity machine to meet demand.

The New Yorker

You can purchase a higher-capacity CF card from SanDisk, Lexar and other vendors.

The New York Times - Tech

But, Dr. Lasseter pointed out, a higher-capacity cable would also cause bigger ripples if it failed.

The New York Times

The new route will be a higher-capacity alternative to the 99-year-old Panama Canal, which is currently being widened at the cost of $5.2bn.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a higher capacity", ensure you clearly state what is having the higher capacity and what the capacity relates to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a higher capacity" when simply meaning 'more'. Capacity implies a specific limit or ability, so 'more' is better when referring to unbounded quantities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher capacity" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It modifies a noun to indicate an increased ability to contain, process, or produce something. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it appears in contexts like "a higher capacity battery" or "a higher capacity cathode."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a higher capacity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates an increased ability or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, be clear about what has the higher capacity and what that capacity refers to. Consider alternatives like "an increased capacity" or "a greater capacity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that 'capacity' implies a limit, so avoid using it when simply referring to 'more' of something unbounded. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increased capacity

Focuses on the act of increasing the capacity, implying a change or improvement.

a greater capacity

Emphasizes the magnitude of the capacity, suggesting a more significant difference.

an enhanced ability

Shifts the focus to ability rather than the physical or measurable aspect of capacity.

an expanded volume

Highlights the increased physical space or extent of the capacity.

a larger volume

Focuses on the physical quantity or space available, implying a difference in size.

a superior capability

Emphasizes the enhanced level of skill or competence.

an improved potential

Highlights the increased possibility for future development or achievement.

an amplified power

Emphasizes an increased magnitude of effectiveness or influence.

a boosted capability

Focuses on capability that has been improved through some external agency

a heightened competence

Focuses on a stronger skill or level of fitness for doing a given job

FAQs

How can I use "a higher capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "a higher capacity" to describe something that can hold more, process more, or produce more than something else. For example, "This hard drive has "a higher capacity" than the old one, so I can store more files."

What are some alternatives to "a higher capacity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an increased capacity", "a greater capacity", or "an enhanced ability".

Is it correct to say "a higher capacity" or should I use "higher capacity"?

Both are acceptable, but "a higher capacity" is more common when comparing two specific things. "Higher capacity" without the article is often used in more general statements.

What's the difference between "a higher capacity" and "a larger volume"?

"A higher capacity" generally refers to the ability to hold or contain something, whether physical or abstract. "A larger volume" specifically refers to the amount of physical space something occupies.