capacity of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'capacity of' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to describe the amount or extent of something that a person, thing, or place can contain or hold. For example: "The capacity of the room was far too small for the large crowd of people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

capacity of a company.

The New York Times

The college has a capacity of capacity of 20,000.

The Guardian - Travel

Capacity of 90,000, as you're asking.

The Guardian

The arena has a capacity of 20,600.

The New York Times - Sports

That was the entire seating capacity of the restaurant.

The New York Times

Yet the capacity of these states is limited.

The Guardian - Opinion

Big data exceeds the processing capacity of conventional database systems.

The Guardian

Mr. Kingman worked mainly in the capacity of a lobbyist.

The New Yorker

The capacity of the prison is 2,000.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cardiff City stadium has a capacity of 33,000.

The Guardian - Sport

"The capacity of the human being is without limit".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "capacity of" a physical space, be specific with units (e.g., "cubic meters", "liters", "square feet") to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity" when "capability" is more appropriate. "Capacity" refers to a maximum amount that something can contain, while "capability" refers to the ability to do something. For example, use "capability of the software" instead of "capacity of the software" when describing its features.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify a noun by specifying its maximum holding ability or potential. Ludwig examples illustrate this across various contexts, from physical spaces to abstract systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capacity of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to denote the maximum amount or extent something can hold or perform. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and general contexts. When using "capacity of", ensure it accurately reflects the ability to contain or produce, avoiding confusion with similar terms like "capability". By understanding its nuances and proper usage, you can effectively communicate quantifiable measures and potentials in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capability for

Emphasizes the inherent ability to perform or achieve something.

ability to

Highlights the power or skill to do something.

potential for

Focuses on the unrealized ability or possibility for development.

room for

Indicates available space or opportunity for something more.

extent of

Refers to the degree or scope to which something reaches.

scope of

Denotes the range or limit within which something operates.

size of

Emphasizes the physical dimensions or magnitude.

volume of

Refers to the amount of space occupied by something.

magnitude of

Highlights the great size or importance of something.

power of

Emphasizes the strength or ability to influence or control.

FAQs

How do I use "capacity of" in a sentence?

Use "capacity of" to indicate the maximum amount something can hold or contain. For example: "The "capacity of" the stadium is 50000 people" or "The "capacity of" the hard drive is 1 terabyte".

What phrases can I use instead of "capacity of"?

You can use alternatives such as "potential for", "ability to", or "room for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the capability of" instead of "the capacity of"?

While both relate to ability, "capacity" refers to the maximum amount something can contain or produce, while "capability" refers to the power or skill to do something. Choosing between "the capability of" and "the "capacity of"" depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "capacity of" and "capabilities of"?

"Capacity of" generally refers to a measurable limit or quantity, such as the "capacity of" a stadium. "Capabilities of", on the other hand, refers to the range of functions or actions something is able to perform. The phrase "capabilities of" is more related to ability.