capacity is stretched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity is stretched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where resources, abilities, or limits are being tested or pushed to their maximum. Example: "During the peak season, our team's capacity is stretched, making it challenging to meet all client demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

All manner of networks have peak periods when capacity is stretched.

The Economist

Heavy volume, price increases and cost reductions have led to growth, and rail capacity is stretched.

The Economist

"The troop capacity is stretched to the limit," said Hua Jiang, a spokeswoman for the United Nations in Sudan.

The New York Times

Because it shed most of its generation capacity, GPU is also short of power in Pennsylvania, a gap that FirstEnergy, whose own capacity is stretched in summer, will have to address.

The New York Times

Some fear it may create more pollution without providing benefits for residents, while others, noting that the city's electrical capacity is stretched and that Con Edison's rates are rising, favor a new plant.

The New York Times

With some 180,000 troops in the two theaters, U.S. reserve capacity is stretched to the limit — something Iran knows when it keeps the centrifuges turning and Russia knows when it grabs Georgia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Their capacities are stretched to the breaking point.

The New York Times

In Germany, 300,000 children arrived in 20152 and protection capacities were stretched thin.

Unicef

The Government's capacity to respond is stretched, placing the burden on humanitarian actors to meet increasing needs.

Unicef

The court is stretched to capacity, overwhelmed in the attempt to regulate human tragedies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"General practice is stretched beyond capacity, saddled with box-ticking administration, unrealistic workload and declining resources", he will say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity is stretched" to describe situations where available resources are being utilized to their fullest extent, especially when nearing or at their limit. It effectively conveys a sense of strain or pressure on those resources.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity is stretched" in every situation involving limitations. Vary your language with synonyms like "strained resources" or "operating at maximum" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity is stretched" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that available resources or abilities are being utilized to their maximum extent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples show it describing various domains like networks, troops, and humanitarian aid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity is stretched" effectively communicates that resources or abilities are being utilized to their maximum extent, often implying strain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across varied contexts, particularly in news and media. While not extremely frequent, understanding its usage can enhance clarity in describing limitations and the need for additional support. Remember to use related terms to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resources are strained

Focuses on the resources experiencing strain, rather than the capacity itself.

at full capacity

Indicates the limit has been reached, rather than the process of reaching it.

overwhelmed

Describes a state of being burdened beyond coping ability.

pushed to the limit

Emphasizes the act of pushing something until it almost breaks.

maxed out

Informal way of saying something has reached its maximum.

stretched thin

Implies resources are spread out too much, reducing effectiveness.

under pressure

Describes a state of being subjected to significant stress or demands.

overextended

Suggests reaching beyond normal or safe limits.

operating at maximum

States that operations are running at their highest possible level.

burdened beyond capacity

Highlights the excessive load exceeding what is manageable.

FAQs

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

You can use "capacity is stretched" to describe a situation where resources are being used to their maximum potential and are under strain. For example, "During peak hours, the network's capacity is stretched, leading to slower speeds."

What are some alternatives to "capacity is stretched"?

Alternatives to "capacity is stretched" include "resources are strained", "at full capacity", or "pushed to the limit", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "capacity is stretched" or "capacity is strained"?

Both "capacity is stretched" and "capacity is strained" are acceptable. "Stretched" implies a physical or metaphorical extension to a limit, while "strained" suggests pressure or stress. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says "capacity is stretched"?

When someone says "capacity is stretched", it means that existing resources are being used to their fullest extent and are potentially under stress or near their limit. It suggests that there may be difficulties in handling additional demands or tasks.