a seating capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a seating capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the maximum number of people that a venue, such as a theater or stadium, can accommodate. Example: "The concert hall has a seating capacity of 2,000 people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Supreme Court's courtroom has a seating capacity of 300.

The New York Times

The Garden has a seating capacity of 19,763; Radio City seats 5,945.

The New York Times - Sports

There will be a seating capacity of about 220 on most nights.

The New York Times

Right now we're drawing about 2,500 per game, with a seating capacity of 4,000".

The New York Times

The $410 million stadium opened in May and has a seating capacity of 50,000.

The New York Times

with a seating capacity of almost 77,000 and vast space for spectators in the infield.

The New York Times

It badly needs a theater of its own, with a seating capacity large enough for performances by major dance troupes.

The New York Times - Arts

There was plenty of room on the charter flight, with a seating capacity of 400-600 depending on the configuration.

The Guardian - Sport

The most important games will be played at the E Center, which has a seating capacity of 10,500.

The New York Times - Sports

The renovations will add 2,300 seats to Wrigley, which currently has a seating capacity of 39,059.

The New York Times - Sports

Helena, the capital city, had Temple Emanu-El, built in 1891 with a seating capacity of 500.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying "a seating capacity", always include the numerical value (e.g., "a seating capacity of 500") to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't assume that the "seating capacity" directly correlates with event attendance. Attendance can be lower due to unsold tickets or no-shows, or, in rare instances, exceed the seating capacity if standing room is permitted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a seating capacity" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing the maximum number of people that a place can accommodate in seats. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a seating capacity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the maximum number of individuals a venue can seat. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to encyclopedic entries. When using the phrase, it's crucial to specify the numerical value and the unit of measurement (e.g., people). While other terms like ""maximum seating"" or "total occupancy" may serve as alternatives, "a seating capacity" remains a clear and concise option for describing seating availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maximum seating

Focuses on the maximum number of seats available, omitting the word "capacity".

number of seats

Replaces "capacity" with a more direct count of seats.

seating allowance

Substitutes "capacity" with "allowance", suggesting the permitted number of seats.

available seating

Highlights the availability of seats, rather than the total number.

accommodation for

Emphasizes that it holds a certain number of people.

seat count

A more concise way of referring to the number of seats.

sitting capacity

Uses "sitting" as an adjective to describe the nature of the capacity.

place settings

Primarily used in the context of dining and events.

passenger accommodation

More suitable in the context of transport.

total occupancy

Broader term that can encompass standing room as well as seating.

FAQs

How is "a seating capacity" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a seating capacity" is used to describe the maximum number of individuals that can be seated in a particular venue. For example: "The theater has "a seating capacity" of 800 people".

What are some alternatives to using "a seating capacity"?

Alternatives include "maximum seating", "number of seats", or "seating allowance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it necessary to specify the unit when using "a seating capacity"?

Yes, it is best practice to specify the unit (e.g., "people", "spectators", "diners") to avoid ambiguity. For instance, use "a seating capacity of 500 people" rather than just "a seating capacity of 500".

What's the difference between "total occupancy" and "a seating capacity"?

"A seating capacity" refers specifically to the number of seats available. "Total occupancy" is a broader term that includes all individuals allowed in a space, including those standing.