expand capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expand capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an increase in physical or mental resources. For example, "We are investing in our team to expand capacity and ensure we can meet customer demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is building factories to expand capacity.

The New York Times

At that time, WeatherIze would expand capacity yet again.

Harvard Business Review

Looking further ahead, much depends on the Ministry of Oil's plans to expand capacity.

The New Yorker

Much of the new Saudi fleet, moreover, will replace existing older aircraft rather than expand capacity.

The New York Times

Not exactly the picture of a bank struggling to expand capacity.

The New York Times

Mr. Franklin is building more pits to expand capacity and eliminate the lines outside the door.

The New York Times

O'Hare International Airport will receive $1.4 billion over the next three years to expand capacity.

The New York Times

Plant operators have also tried to expand capacity by upgrading their steam generators and turbines.

The Economist

Empowering investments also use capital — to expand capacity and to finance receivables and inventory.

The New York Times

Indeed, stress is the only means by which we can expand capacity.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The problem at La Guardia and O'Hare is that the F.A.A. and the airports have been unable to expand capacity fast enough to meet demand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In personal development contexts, consider using "expand capacity" to discuss increasing one's ability to handle stress or workload.

Common error

Avoid using "expand capacity" when referring to abstract concepts like knowledge or understanding; instead, use phrases like "broaden understanding" or "deepen knowledge."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expand capacity" primarily functions as a verb phrase + noun. It describes the action of increasing the ability of something to contain, produce, or accommodate more. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage, highlighting its role in expressing growth and improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expand capacity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the action of increasing the amount something can hold or produce. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and proper usage across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While generally neutral in tone, its usage should be tailored to the specific context, avoiding abstract applications. Related phrases like "increase capability" and "scale up resources" offer nuanced alternatives. This guide provides best practices and clarifies common errors to ensure effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase capability

Focuses on enhancing overall ability rather than just the amount.

augment capabilities

Suggests adding to existing capabilities to make them greater.

extend the limits

Implies pushing boundaries to allow for more.

boost productivity

Implies improving efficiency to produce more with the same resources.

scale up resources

Highlights the increase in available resources to handle more.

enhance volume

Focuses on increasing the quantity of something.

enlarge potential

Emphasizes the growth of possible output or performance.

grow potential

A more general term for increasing potential.

broaden scope

Indicates widening the range or extent of something.

develop potential

Highlights the nurturing of capabilities over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "expand capacity" to describe increasing the amount that something can hold or produce. For example, "The company plans to "increase production" by investing in new equipment to "expand capacity".

What is a good alternative to "expand capacity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "increase capability", "extend the limits", or "scale up resources" as alternatives to "expand capacity".

Is it correct to say "expanding capacity"?

Yes, "expanding capacity" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct. For example, "The airport is currently "undergoing renovations", expanding capacity to accommodate more flights".

What's the difference between "expand capacity" and "increase efficiency"?

"Expand capacity" refers to increasing the amount or volume that something can hold or produce, while "improve efficiency" means achieving the same output with fewer resources. You "expand capacity" by adding more space or resources, while you "improve efficiency" by optimizing existing processes.