at capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"at capacity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the context of a place being crowded with people or resources, with no room for more. For example, "The banquet hall was at capacity, with no more space for guests".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

London's motorways are also "at capacity".

The Guardian - Opinion

Just about every show is "at capacity" when the venue looks half full.

Vice

Intermix was at capacity.

The New York Times

"We are at capacity".

The New York Times

It is, however, at capacity.

The Economist

Event at capacity.

Harvard University

Our prisons are at capacity.

The Guardian - Opinion

This event is at capacity.

Princeton University

"We are at capacity," he said.

The New York Times

At capacity, it's "one out, one in".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Even some conservative members of the at-capacity crowd came with sharpened questions.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at capacity" to clearly indicate when a space, system, or resource has reached its maximum limit. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what exactly is at capacity (e.g., "The server is at capacity", not just "It is at capacity").

Common error

Don't assume "at capacity" means merely busy. It signifies a hard limit where no additional input or usage is possible. Instead of saying "The store was at capacity, but people kept entering", clarify that the store was overcrowded or extremely busy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at capacity" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it has reached its maximum limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For instance, Ludwig provides examples like "London's motorways are also at capacity."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at capacity" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe a state of being completely full or having reached the maximum limit. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across varied contexts, primarily in news and media and academic settings. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, understanding that it signifies a hard limit rather than mere busyness. When aiming for alternative expressions, consider options like "full", "completely booked", or "saturated", keeping in mind the slight differences in meaning each conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full

Indicates a state of being completely filled, lacking any remaining space.

filled to the brim

Emphasizes the state of being completely full, almost overflowing.

at saturation point

Similar to saturated, emphasizing the inability to absorb more.

maxed out

Suggests reaching the maximum limit or potential.

operating at full stretch

Implies resources are being used to their utmost capability.

completely booked

Specifically refers to all available slots or reservations being taken.

bursting at the seams

Suggests being filled to an overflowing point, barely contained.

saturated

Implies a state where no more can be absorbed or added.

overwhelmed

Suggests being burdened beyond the ability to cope.

stretched to the limit

Indicates resources or abilities are being used to their fullest extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "at capacity" to describe a situation where something is completely full or has reached its maximum limit. For instance, "The venue was "at capacity", so we couldn't get in".

What's a more formal alternative to "at capacity"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "fully utilized", "operating at maximum capacity", or "completely booked" instead of ""at capacity"".

Is it correct to say "over capacity" instead of "at capacity"?

"Over capacity" implies exceeding the maximum limit, while ""at capacity"" means reaching it. They have distinct meanings and should be used accordingly.

What does it mean when an event is described as "at capacity"?

When an event is ""at capacity"", it means all available spaces or tickets have been taken, and no more attendees can be accommodated.