is at full capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The bridge currently is at full capacity, carrying 250,000 people per day by car and train.

The New York Times

In total there will be 430 people dedicated to destroying the ammunition when the the operation is at full capacity in December, he said.

The New York Times

Both the Odyssey and the Acura MDX sport utility are built at a plant in Alliston, Ontario, that is at full capacity.

The New York Times

Ilana Angeliades, the director of Lolly's Learning Center, a preschool for 2- to 5-year-olds, says that her program is at full capacity, and that parents have even taken to calling before their children are born.

The New York Times

Jeffrey Currie of Goldman Sachs argues that while most recession-hit industries in the rich world are operating at 60-70% of capacity, agriculture is at full capacity, in the sense that last year's cereals crop was the largest on record and there is little fallow land ready to be taken under the plough.

The Economist

Once the new 12,800 km cable is at full capacity, it'll be the highest-capacity trans-Pacific cable yet.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

All are at full capacity.

The Guardian

Across India prices are rising fast, factories are at full capacity, loans are piling up.

The Economist

The RCM said the average unit temporarily closed eight times, but one unit was at full capacity 50 times.

The Guardian

Hutto has more than five hundred beds, though the population fluctuates, and the facility appears never to have been at full capacity; about half the detainees are children.

The New Yorker

We are adding a modest number of student places to higher education provision (about 1,000 when we are at full capacity).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of the phrase in a single piece of writing; consider using synonyms like "saturated" or "maxed out" for variety.

Common error

A common mistake is using "is at full capacity" without specifying what exactly is at its limit. Always provide context to avoid ambiguity. For example, don't just say "The system is at full capacity"; clarify which system you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at full capacity" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating that something has reached its maximum limit. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly used to describe facilities, systems, or even people's workload when they are completely filled.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is at full capacity" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe that something has reached its maximum limit. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions descriptively, communicating a state of complete utilization. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing. To enhance clarity, always specify what entity is at its maximum. While versatile, consider related phrases like "is completely full" or "has reached its limit" for variety. Be aware of context, use accurate source attributions and you are good to go.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is completely full

Replaces 'at full capacity' with a more direct description of being full.

has reached its limit

Indicates the point where no more can be added or accommodated.

is operating at maximum level

Focuses on the operational aspect, implying peak performance or utilization.

cannot accommodate any more

Directly states the inability to accept additional items or people.

is saturated

Suggests that no more can be absorbed or contained.

is running at its peak

Highlights the operational aspect, indicating optimal performance.

is maxed out

An informal way of saying something has reached its limit.

is working at full stretch

Suggests that resources or personnel are being used to their maximum potential.

is stretched to the limit

Emphasizes the stress or strain of operating at full capacity.

is filled to the brim

A more figurative way of saying something is completely full.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "at full capacity"?

When something "is at full capacity", it means that it has reached its maximum limit and cannot hold or accommodate any more. It indicates that the available space, resources, or functionality is completely utilized.

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

You can use "is at full capacity" to describe situations where something is completely filled or utilized. For example: "The server "is at full capacity", so we need to upgrade it."

What can I say instead of "is at full capacity"?

You can use alternatives like "is completely full", "is maxed out", or "has reached its limit" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is at full capacity" or "is at maximum capacity"?

Both "is at full capacity" and "is at maximum capacity" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.