is at capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is at capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something, such as a venue or system, has reached its maximum limit or is full. Example: "The conference room is at capacity, so we cannot accommodate any more attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Just about every show is "at capacity" when the venue looks half full.

Vice

"It is at capacity right now, or nearly so," Mr. Black said.

The New York Times

Attendance at Kansas City's new soccer stadium, Sporting Park, is at capacity.

The New York Times - Sports

Until a planned expansion of the convention center is completed, attendance is at capacity.

The New York Times

Now she bakes commercially two days a week and is at capacity, unable to accept further orders.

Independent

Close to 2,000 students have applied, and her school is at capacity, its three teachers and seven student-teachers already doing all they can do.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Davies states that London airports are "at capacity", or will be by 2030 – or perhaps by 2040.

The Guardian - Opinion

But after reaching out to the staff there, we were informed that the school was "at capacity," and thus couldn't take another student in the seventh grade.

Vice

Intermix was at capacity.

The New York Times

"We are at capacity".

The New York Times

Our prisons are at capacity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at capacity" when you want to clearly communicate that a limit has been reached and no further additions are possible. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is at capacity" in situations where a more nuanced description of fullness or limitation is required. For example, if something is near capacity but not quite full, use phrases like "nearly full" or "approaching capacity" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at capacity" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (e.g., venue, system) as having reached its maximum limit. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing facilities, schools, and even economic systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is at capacity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies something has reached its maximum limit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news reports, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing, it's important to use this phrase when you want to highlight a limitation clearly and accurately, remembering that other terms like ""is full"" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. Avoiding misinterpreting the situations to which this expression can be applied is key to prevent contextual errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is full

Directly indicates a state of being completely filled, simpler phrasing.

has reached its limit

Emphasizes that a boundary or maximum has been attained.

is maxed out

Informal way to express reaching maximum capacity, suitable for casual contexts.

is completely booked

Specifically applies to situations involving reservations or appointments.

is operating at maximum

Focuses on the operational aspect of something functioning at its highest level.

is stretched to its limits

Highlights the strain or pressure of operating at full capacity.

cannot accommodate more

Emphasizes the inability to accept additional entities or elements.

is saturated

Implies that no more can be added or absorbed.

is running at full throttle

Describes an activity or process operating at maximum speed or intensity.

is bursting at the seams

Figurative expression denoting extreme fullness or capacity.

FAQs

What does "is at capacity" mean?

The phrase "is at capacity" means that something has reached its maximum limit and cannot hold, accept, or process any more. It indicates a state of being completely full or utilized.

How can I use "is at capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "is at capacity" to describe venues, systems, or resources that have reached their maximum limit. For example: "The concert venue "is full"" or "The hospital's emergency room "is overwhelmed" and is at capacity".

What are some alternatives to "is at capacity"?

Some alternatives to "is at capacity" include phrases like ""is full"", "has reached its limit", "is completely booked", or "is maxed out", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is at capacity" and "is full"?

While "is at capacity" and ""is full"" are often interchangeable, "is at capacity" tends to be used in more formal or technical contexts, implying a measured or designed limit, whereas ""is full"" is a more general term for being completely filled.