capacity is strained

USAGE SUMMARY

"capacity is strained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which the resources of something are stretched to the limit due to increased demand. For example, "With the number of guests doubling from last year, the hotel's capacity is strained".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

China's airline capacity is strained, but even with the shortage of seats domestic airlines have purchased only 60 of the 45-seat airplanes.

The New York Times

On a road network whose capacity is strained at the best of times, travelers brave enormous jams, exhaustion and bandits to make it back home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Classroom capacity was strained, yet on Friday many classrooms sat empty.

The New York Times

Most have settled in Jordan and Syria, and Mr. Ban warned that the two countries' "capacities were strained to extreme levels".

The New York Times

UNICEF is also helping the government assess the country's supply chain capacity, which is strained by the crisis.

Unicef

This may indicate that FLWs' resources and capacity to provide pregnancy information is strained by high demand for services.

Global health, science and practice

A large number of the 68,000 state residents undergoing treatment would have to find treatment at centers far from their homes, while the state's remaining capacity would be strained beyond the breaking point.

Los Angeles Times

Looking to the future The latest influx of displaced families is straining capacity to meet children's needs.

Unicef

Station parking capacity has also been strained.

Wikipedia

But the wider use of data is straining the capacity of the networks.

The New York Times

For the first time in more than two decades demand is straining at capacity.A freer oil market is no bad thing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capacity is strained", ensure the subject of the capacity is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "hospital capacity is strained" or "network capacity is strained".

Common error

Avoid using "capacity is strained" when you simply mean something is difficult or challenging. The phrase specifically relates to limitations in the amount something can hold or handle. Use alternatives like under pressure or challenging if the situation doesn't involve a literal capacity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity is strained" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that the ability of something to accommodate demands or utilize resources is under significant pressure. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity is strained" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a situation where resources or abilities are nearing their limits. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly appears in news reports, formal business documents, and scientific publications, denoting a neutral formality level. While "capacity is strained" is accurate, alternative phrases like "resources are stretched" or "under pressure" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances, enhancing the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resources are stretched

Focuses on the resources themselves being stretched, rather than the capacity.

overwhelmed capacity

Emphasizes that the capacity is exceeded.

resources are overextended

Indicates that resources have been extended beyond their limit.

under pressure

This alternative is more general and does not mention the "capacity".

at full stretch

Indicates something is being used to its maximum extent.

nearing its limit

This alternative focuses on something approaching but not yet reaching its limit.

pushed to the limit

Highlights the action of pushing something to its maximum.

reaching saturation

Implies a point where no more can be added or accommodated.

operating at maximum

This alternative describes the state of working at the highest level.

stretched thin

This alternative highlights the reduction of the capacity due to pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "capacity is strained" in a sentence?

You can use "capacity is strained" to describe a situation where resources are stretched to their limit. For example, "Due to the influx of patients, the hospital's capacity is strained", or "The server's capacity is strained due to high traffic".

What are some alternatives to saying "capacity is strained"?

Alternatives include "resources are stretched", "overwhelmed capacity", "under pressure", or "at full stretch", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "capacity is strained" in formal writing?

Yes, "capacity is strained" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, news reporting, and academic contexts where discussing limitations and resource management is common. However, consider your audience and choose the most precise and clear phrasing.

What's the difference between "capacity is strained" and "resources are stretched"?

While similar, "capacity is strained" specifically refers to the limit something can hold or manage, while "resources are stretched" is a more general statement about available resources being used extensively. "Capacity is strained" implies a closer proximity to the limit.