had a finite capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a finite capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing limitations or constraints of a system, object, or concept that has a specific, measurable limit. Example: "The container had a finite capacity, which meant it could only hold a limited amount of liquid before overflowing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Their factories in La Coruña have a finite capacity to respond quickly.

The New York Times - Magazine

First, in being capture pumps, they have a finite capacity.

Capture Pumping Technology

I've heard the "compassion fatigue" defense before – that readers have a finite capacity for digesting news that's depressing.

The New York Times

Central to the argument of the book was the idea that Earth has a finite capacity to provide the resources needed to feed and protect a global population which was growing exponentially in numbers and its demands to consume.

The Guardian

Each station has a finite capacity waiting buffer and operates under first-in first-out (FIFO) service discipline.

Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics

"Personally I really quite like the grid system," she said, before listing its disadvantages: viable bus routes are easier to design in traditional cities; the grid has a finite capacity as population and car ownership rises; it also frustrates developers by taking up more space than a traditional city street.

The Guardian

The formal channels have a finite capacity.

Forbes

Theoretically, the sorbent has a finite capacity for the sorbate.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Since the capacitor has a finite capacity, it has to undergo repeated cycles of charging (from the battery) and discharging (to the load).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Our proposal does not consider previous knowledge of virtual network requests; but rather considers that the substrate has a finite capacity, although no specific network topology is assumed.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

In the next section, we consider the scenario where the communication links have a finite capacity and assess the feasibility of estimating the unknown source parameters using the quantized consensus-based algorithm.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a finite capacity", ensure you clarify what specific aspect is limited. For example, "The server had a finite capacity for processing requests."

Common error

Avoid using "had a finite capacity" when a more general term like "limited" is sufficient. Overusing technical terms can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a finite capacity" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifying a limitation in the amount or extent of something. It's typically used to indicate that a resource, system, or object is constrained by a specific upper limit.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had a finite capacity" is grammatically sound and serves to indicate that something possesses a measurable limitation. Although Ludwig found no exact examples in its database, the phrase's structure and components are common in English writing. It's best used in contexts where specifying a limit or constraint is necessary, particularly in technical or analytical discussions. While "had a limited capacity" serves as a close alternative, "had a finite capacity" is more fitting when referring to quantifiable restrictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a limited capacity

Replaces "finite" with "limited", emphasizing the restriction without implying a precise calculable boundary.

was not limitless

States directly that there is a limit, without specifying what it is.

possessed a restricted capability

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a similar meaning of constrained potential.

could only hold so much

Informal way of saying that something had a capacity that could not be exceeded.

was subject to constraints

Shifts the focus to the external factors that impose limitations.

had a set boundary

Highlights that it has a clearly defined limitation.

faced inherent limitations

Focuses on the limitations being a natural part of its design or nature.

had a maximum allowance

Indicates an upper limit that cannot be exceeded, typically in resource allocation or permissions.

was bounded in scope

Highlights the confinement of the subject within specific parameters.

had a ceiling

Implies an upper limit that cannot be exceeded.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "had a finite capacity" to sound less technical?

Consider using phrases like "had a limited capacity", "was restricted to", or "could only hold so much" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "had a finite capacity"?

This phrase is suitable when discussing technical or quantitative limitations, such as the storage space of a device or the processing power of a system. It implies a measurable upper bound.

Is "had a finite capacity" interchangeable with "had a limited capacity"?

While similar, "had a limited capacity" is more general and can refer to restrictions that are not precisely quantifiable. "Had a finite capacity" suggests a specific, measurable limit.

What are some common nouns that are used with "had a finite capacity"?

Common nouns include "memory", "storage", "bandwidth", "processing power", "resources", and "attention". For example, "The server had a finite memory capacity".