bandwidth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bandwidth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to data transfer capacity, but can also refer to the mental or emotional capacity to handle tasks or responsibilities. Example: "I don't have the bandwidth to take on another project right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He prefers to emphasise the fact that internet bandwidth in Iran has significantly improved after a five-year gap, increasing by about four times.

The Guardian - Tech

We are making it work and lots of work has gone in, in terms of building up internet and bandwidth".

The Guardian

I've yet to hear internet bandwidth providers (Level3, Verizon, et al) questioned as internet service companies have been about whether and how they are cooperating with the spies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anxious thoughts crowd out her bandwidth, blocking the admission of any useful information the teacher might be trying to impart.

The Guardian - Opinion

He prefers to emphasise that internet bandwidth in Iran has significantly improved after a five-year gap, increasing by about four times.

The Guardian - Tech

"The key thing for us to be successful is good DVD watching, good bandwidth and a good postal system," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Despite a flurry of activity in the development of infrastructure to improve internet connectivity across the continent, bandwidth remains relatively low and distribution is a problem, especially in Nigeria.

The Guardian

Rouhani supports tech entrepreneurs and has also called for faster internet speeds and greater bandwidth in the country.

The Guardian - Tech

On the African continent, shows like South Africa's e.TV Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, Kenya's XYZ show, and Zanews's Puppet Nation show an appetite for satirical news programmes, but slow bandwidth, connectivity issues and expensive internet costs have also proved prohibitive in the circulation of online TV programmes.

The Guardian

If we take Real Nolly Movies, for example, a large part of its audience is in the west (among the Nigerian diaspora), where bandwidth is quicker and cheaper.

The Guardian

Vaezi has been summoned to parliament to explain the bandwidth increase.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to internet connections, use "bandwidth" to describe the data transfer capacity. For personal or professional contexts, consider alternatives like "capacity" or "resources" for broader applicability.

Common error

While "bandwidth" can refer to mental capacity, using it too frequently may sound overly technical or jargonistic. Opt for clearer alternatives like "capacity", "time", or "resources" in everyday communication to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "bandwidth" functions primarily as a noun. It denotes the capacity for data transfer in networks or, metaphorically, the ability to handle multiple tasks or responsibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bandwidth" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to describe data transfer capacity or, metaphorically, one's ability to handle tasks. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used. While its technical applications are common in contexts like news and business, it's crucial to consider clearer alternatives like "capacity" or "resources" in general communication to enhance clarity. Remember to use "bandwidth" when referring to data transfer, and consider alternatives when discussing personal or professional limits to avoid jargon. Common sources for the usage of the word are The Economist and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data transfer rate

Refers specifically to the speed at which data can be transmitted, a more technical term.

network throughput

A technical term describing the actual rate of data transfer in a network.

processing capacity

Emphasizes the amount of information or tasks that can be handled at once.

channel capacity

A more specific term referring to the maximum rate at which information can be reliably transmitted over a communication channel.

available resources

Focuses on the tangible assets or support available for a task.

mental capacity

Highlights the cognitive ability to manage multiple thoughts or responsibilities.

cognitive resources

Similar to mental capacity, but emphasizes the allocation of mental effort.

emotional capacity

Describes the ability to handle feelings and stress.

time commitment

Highlights the amount of time needed for a task, often implying a limitation.

resource allocation

Focuses on how resources are distributed to different tasks or projects.

FAQs

How is "bandwidth" typically used in a sentence?

"Bandwidth" is commonly used to describe internet connection speeds or the capacity to handle multiple tasks. For example: "Our internet "bandwidth" is insufficient for streaming 4K video" or "I don't have the "bandwidth" to take on another project right now".

What can I say instead of "bandwidth"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "data transfer rate" (for technical contexts), "capacity", or "available resources" (for general contexts).

What's the difference between "bandwidth" and "speed"?

While related, "bandwidth" refers to the amount of data that can be transferred, whereas "speed" often refers to how quickly that data is transferred. High bandwidth allows for more data to be transferred simultaneously, resulting in faster perceived "speed".

Is it correct to use "bandwidth" to describe a person's mental capacity?

Yes, "bandwidth" can be used metaphorically to describe someone's mental or emotional capacity to handle tasks or responsibilities. However, consider using more common alternatives like "capacity" or "mental resources" for clearer communication.