exceeds capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceeds capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something surpasses a limit or maximum, such as in discussions about physical space, data storage, or resource allocation. Example: "The server's performance deteriorated when the number of users exceeds capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The system often exceeds capacity during heavy storms and discharges the overflow into local waterways.

The New York Times

"Demand exceeds capacity on every one of our campuses," he said.

The New York Times

The owner, Gabriel Stulman, once ran the Little Owl, and, as at that restaurant, the demand entirely exceeds capacity.

The New Yorker

Comic-Con tickets sell out far in advance because demand far exceeds capacity at the San Diego Convention Center.

The New York Times

The Australian prison system is almost at capacity, and exceeds capacity in some states, according to a report released on Wednesday by the Productivity Commission.

The Guardian

Tom Popper, president of Insight Cuba – "pioneers in legal, people-to-people travel" for Americans – said: "Tourism has soared, and the demand for hotel rooms far exceeds capacity.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The system has not yet exceeded capacity, though it is close, Mr. Hess said.

The New York Times

After the site opened, demand soon exceeded capacity, and there is now a waiting list to join.

The New York Times

Budget cuts will reduce spending on the F.A.A.'s airspace modernization program, virtually guaranteeing that in some areas, demand will soon exceed capacity.

The New York Times

The Guardian has obtained internal Faccenda documents highlighting how the supply of birds can exceed capacity at the abattoir and how some end up stored in crates overnight.

The Guardian

According to figures released recently by TeleGeography, a consultancy based in Washington, DC, international traffic growth exceeded capacity growth for several years after 2002.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceeds capacity" to clearly indicate that the demand or load surpasses the available resources or limits of a system, infrastructure, or service. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "exceeds capacity" interchangeably with phrases like "approaches capacity" or "near capacity". "Exceeds capacity" implies that the limit has already been surpassed, whereas the other phrases suggest that the limit is close but not yet reached.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceeds capacity" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically used to describe a situation where the demand or load surpasses the available limit or resources. This is validated by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceeds capacity" effectively conveys that a system or resource is operating beyond its designed limit. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. It is important to distinguish this from phrases like "approaching capacity", as the former indicates that the limit has already been surpassed. When writing, ensure you're accurately conveying the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "surpasses the limit" or "overwhelms resources" can be used to add variety, but they should align with the specific context. Common sources include The New York Times and The Guardian. The phrase's versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surpasses the limit

Focuses on surpassing a defined boundary, rather than specifically relating to capacity.

overwhelms resources

Highlights the effect on resources, suggesting they are unable to cope.

outstrips availability

Emphasizes that demand is greater than what is available.

goes beyond the limit

Similar to "surpasses the limit" but with a slightly more informal tone.

is oversubscribed

Specifically used when demand for something (e.g. service, event) is greater than the supply.

reaches maximum load

Indicates the highest possible point, suggesting the system is full.

is stretched to the limit

Emphasizes strain and potential breakdown due to high demand.

can't accommodate

Focuses on the inability to hold or contain more.

is beyond its capabilities

Highlights the limitations of the system to handle the current load.

reaches saturation point

Indicates a state where no more can be added or absorbed.

FAQs

How can I use "exceeds capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "exceeds capacity" to describe situations where demand or load surpasses the available resources or limits. For example: "The hospital's emergency room often "exceeds capacity" during flu season."

What are some alternatives to "exceeds capacity"?

Alternatives include "surpasses the limit", "overwhelms resources", or "outstrips availability", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "exceeds its capacity"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. However, "exceeds capacity" often implies 'its' or 'their' understood capacity, making the addition of 'its' redundant in many cases. It depends on context and style, but shorter is usually better.

What's the difference between "exceeds capacity" and "approaching capacity"?

"Exceeds capacity" means that demand has already surpassed the available limit, while "approaching capacity" indicates that demand is nearing the limit but hasn't exceeded it yet. The former implies a state of being over the limit, whereas the latter implies a state of getting close to it.