a total capacity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a total capacity of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying the overall amount or volume that something can hold or accommodate. Example: "The stadium has a total capacity of 50,000 spectators."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They have a total capacity of about 2,600 rooms, ENI said.

The New York Times

Two boats, with a total capacity of 700 passengers, will be available, depending on demand.

The New York Times

The acquisition will give Kaneb seven petroleum products terminals with a total capacity of 7.8 million barrels, the company said.

The New York Times

Tesla's biggest grid battery, currently in production in South Australia, will have a total capacity of 129 megawatt-hours.

MIT Technology Review

The building can seat up to 800 people with a total capacity of more than 1,400.

The Guardian - Business

In 2013, hard-drive makers will ship devices with a total capacity of about 750 billion gigabytes.

MIT Technology Review

Last year the industry, with a total capacity of 13 billion pounds of fabric, produced 12.5 billion pounds.

The New York Times

Currently, 292 pumped storage hydro facilities are in operation worldwide, with a total capacity of 142 gigawatts.

Yale University

The broodstock areas have 40 tanks (0.6 50 m3) with a total capacity of 410 m3.

Aquacultural Engineering

The company currently owns and or operates 36 communities in 18 states with a total capacity of about 6,100 residents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Those arenas have a total capacity of​ over​ ​110​,000 attendees," said co-founder and CEO Barry Givens.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a total capacity of", ensure the unit of measurement is clearly stated (e.g., megawatts, gallons, passengers) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a total capacity of" when referring to something other than physical or measurable potential. Instead, opt for phrases like "overall ability" or "general competence" when discussing skills or abstract qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a total capacity of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the maximum amount or volume that something can contain or produce. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a total capacity of" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to denote the maximum quantity or volume something can hold or produce. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely employed across various domains, including news, science, and general reference, making it a common and reliable expression. When writing, ensure to specify the unit of measurement for clarity and avoid its use in non-measurable contexts. Alternatives like "an aggregate capacity of" or "an overall capability of" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an aggregate capacity of

Replaces "total" with "aggregate", emphasizing the combined nature of the capacity.

a combined volume of

Shifts from "capacity" to "volume", useful when referring to physical space.

an overall capability of

Substitutes "capacity" with "capability", focusing on the ability to perform or produce.

a cumulative amount of

Replaces "total" with "cumulative", highlighting the accumulation of capacity.

the complete holding of

Changes "capacity" to "holding", suitable when referring to storage.

the full extent of

Emphasizes the maximum reach or scope of the capacity.

the sum total of

Highlights the summation aspect of the capacity.

the entire potential of

Focuses on the potential or possible capacity.

the comprehensive ability of

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the ability.

a maximum allowance of

Uses "allowance" instead of "capacity", implying a permitted limit.

FAQs

How do I use "a total capacity of" in a sentence?

Use "a total capacity of" to specify the maximum amount or number that something can hold. For example, "The stadium has "a total capacity of" 75,000 people."

What can I say instead of "a total capacity of"?

You can use alternatives like "an aggregate capacity of", "a combined volume of", or "an overall capability of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a total capacity of" or "the total capacity is"?

Both phrases are correct but used differently. "A total capacity of" is used to introduce a quantity, while "the total capacity is" is used when the capacity is already known or being referred to. For example, "The tank has "a total capacity of" 500 gallons" versus "The total capacity is 500 gallons."

What's the difference between "a total capacity of" and "maximum capacity"?

"A total capacity of" specifies the overall amount something can hold. "Maximum capacity" emphasizes the highest limit. They are often interchangeable, but "maximum capacity" can imply a limit imposed by regulations or safety concerns, while "a total capacity of" is a more neutral statement of quantity.