at full capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at full capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something is operating at its maximum potential or limit, such as a facility, system, or resource. Example: "The hotel is currently at full capacity, so we cannot accommodate any more guests this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All are at full capacity.

The Guardian

We are not operating at full capacity".

The Guardian

"The airport is currently operating at full capacity.

The Guardian

Many oil producers are already pumping at full capacity.

Independent

Moreover, the plants rarely operate at full capacity.

The Economist

By the end of the summer, the system was running at full capacity.

The New York Times - Magazine

In other words, that the economy is already at full capacity.

The Guardian - Business

British soldiers are fighting the war at full capacity, but their government is not.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At full capacity, we can do twenty-five at once," Palmberg said.

The New Yorker

At full capacity, it will have 28 teachers and 480 students.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Many Chinese steel producers are now operating at full capacity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at full capacity", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being filled or utilized to its maximum extent. This prevents ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at full capacity" when the context implies a gradual increase rather than a defined maximum. For instance, instead of saying "The team is working at full capacity on the project", consider "The team is working diligently on the project" if the team's effort is increasing over time rather than being at a fixed maximum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at full capacity" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the state or condition of something operating at its maximum limit, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at full capacity" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is operating at its maximum limit. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, business, and general writing. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Related phrases such as ""at maximum capacity"" or ""fully occupied"" offer similar meanings and can be used interchangeably depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what is being maximized to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at maximum capacity

Replaces "full" with "maximum", emphasizing the highest possible level.

completely full

Uses "completely" to stress the state of being filled entirely.

fully occupied

Focuses on the occupancy aspect, indicating that all available spaces are taken.

operating at peak

Highlights the operational aspect at its highest point.

filled to capacity

Emphasizes the action of filling up to the maximum limit.

at its limit

Indicates that the maximum threshold has been reached.

maxed out

An informal term meaning that the maximum limit has been reached.

at saturation point

Suggests that no more can be added or accommodated.

stretched to the limit

Implies that resources are being used as much as possible.

functioning at 100%

Uses a percentage to indicate the maximum operational level.

FAQs

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

You can use "at full capacity" to describe a situation where something is operating at its maximum potential or limit. For example, "The hotel is currently "at full capacity", so we cannot accommodate any more guests this weekend".

What are some alternatives to saying "at full capacity"?

You can use alternatives like "at maximum capacity", "completely full", or "fully occupied" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "at full capacity", or should I use a different phrase?

Saying something is "at full capacity" is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, you can also use phrases like "operating at peak" or "filled to capacity" for variety.

What does "at full capacity" mean?

"At full capacity" means something is operating at its maximum potential or limit. For instance, if a server is "at full capacity", it cannot handle any more requests.