filled to capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"filled to capacity" is a correct and commonly-used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something is filled completely with people or objects, such as a room, container, or vehicle. Example: The stadium was filled to capacity for the championship game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nursing schools are filled to capacity.

The New York Times

Henman Hill was still filled to capacity.

The New York Times

Shelters are filled to capacity.

The New York Times

The restaurant had filled to capacity.

The New Yorker

The courtroom was filled to capacity.

The New York Times - Sports

Our parking lots were filled to capacity.

The New York Times

Starting in January, though, the lake rapidly filled to capacity.

The New Yorker

"I've never seen that lot filled to capacity".

The New York Times

Their neighborhood churches are often filled to capacity.

The New York Times

By 5, the event was filled to capacity.

The New York Times - Books

In midsummer the lots are often filled to capacity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive alternatives if you want to add nuance to the image of a full room/space. For example, using "jam-packed" rather than "filled to capacity" is recommended to add an element of visual crowdedness.

Common error

Avoid using "filled to capacity" in contexts where a more nuanced description is required. For instance, instead of saying "The server's memory was filled to capacity", consider "The server's memory was exhausted" or "The server ran out of memory" for technical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled to capacity" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its state of being completely full. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in describing physical spaces, systems, or containers that have reached their maximum occupancy or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "filled to capacity" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something that is completely full. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, although primarily found in News & Media. When writing, use "filled to capacity" to clearly indicate complete occupancy, but consider more descriptive alternatives when nuance or technical precision is needed. Remember that this phrase is already very clear and a good option, just be mindful if its tone matches your text and intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely full

This alternative is a more general way of saying that something has no more space.

at full capacity

This alternative emphasizes the current operational state of being completely utilized.

jam-packed

This alternative implies a very tight, crowded state, often used for spaces or containers.

packed to the rafters

This is a more informal, idiomatic expression, implying extreme crowdedness, especially in a building.

maxed out

This alternative suggests that the maximum limit or capability has been reached, often used in technical contexts.

bursting at the seams

This phrase suggests being so full that it's almost overflowing or breaking apart.

overcrowded

This alternative focuses on the negative aspect of being too full, suggesting discomfort or unsafety.

saturated

This alternative is more suitable when referring to situations where something is filled to the point where nothing more can be absorbed or added.

at saturation point

Similar to "saturated" this highlights the point where no more can be added or absorbed.

brimming

This alternative suggests being full and on the verge of overflowing, often used for liquids or emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "filled to capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "filled to capacity" to describe a space, container, or system that is completely full. For example, "The stadium was "filled to capacity" for the championship game."

What are some alternatives to "filled to capacity"?

Alternatives include "completely full", "at full capacity", or "packed to the rafters", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "filled to capacity" or "at capacity"?

"Filled to capacity" emphasizes the process of becoming full, while "at capacity" simply states the current state of being full. Both are correct, but "at capacity" is more concise.

What does it mean when something is described as "filled to capacity"?

It means that something is completely full and cannot accommodate any more people or items. For example, if a restaurant is "filled to capacity", it means there are no available tables.