less capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

'less capacity' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation where someone or something has reduced capability to do something. For example, "This engine has been modified to have less capacity than normal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Less capacity".

The New York Times

The air version had less capacity.

The New Yorker

There will be less capacity.

The New York Times

When there's less capacity, there's less competition.

The New York Times

Europe and Asian nations have much less capacity.

The New York Times

What details will poorer countries with less capacity be expected to report?

The Guardian

"But now there's less capacity, because airlines are more closely matching seat demand to capacity".

The New York Times

"The [Taliban] have less capacity, they have been degraded somewhat," he told the New York Times.

The Guardian

Broadcom said Stellar's technology required less capacity and memory to deliver video across electronic networks.

The New York Times

A faster rate leads to less capacity fading during the initial 25 cycles.

Nature

The small towns to which they return have less capacity to cope.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less capacity", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing a reduction in capacity. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "less capacity" when you mean a complete absence of capacity. "Less capacity" implies a reduction, while "lack of capacity" indicates a total absence. For example, say "The hospital has less capacity to handle patients after the budget cuts", not if the hospital has completely shut down.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less capacity" primarily functions as a descriptor, indicating a reduced amount or ability. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts, such as describing a decrease in production, resources, or physical space. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less capacity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a reduction in the amount, volume, or ability of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct in written English. The phrase sees frequent use across various domains, including news, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives such as "reduced capacity" or "decreased capability" can be used, it's important to ensure that "less capacity" isn't mistaken for a complete lack of capacity. Overall, understanding its common applications and subtle differences ensures effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced capacity

Emphasizes the action of reducing capacity.

decreased capability

Focuses on the reduced ability to perform a specific function.

restricted ability

Focuses on the constrained ability to do something.

lower volume

Specifically refers to a decrease in quantity or size.

weakened capability

Indicates that the ability has become feeble or impaired.

diminished potential

Highlights the reduced possibility of achieving a desired outcome.

limited scope

Indicates a restriction in the range or extent of something.

smaller size

Directly refers to a reduction in physical dimensions.

curtailed power

Emphasizes a reduction in strength or influence.

narrowed bandwidth

Specific to contexts involving transmission or communication capabilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "less capacity" to describe a situation where something has a reduced ability or amount, such as "The airline now has "less capacity" due to fleet reductions".

What's the difference between "less capacity" and "lower capacity"?

"Less capacity" generally implies a decrease from a previous state, while "lower capacity" often indicates a comparison to something else. For example, "This year there is "less capacity" than last year", versus "This model has a "lower capacity" than the premium version".

What are some alternatives to saying "less capacity"?

Alternatives include "reduced capacity", "decreased capability", or "limited scope" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "less capacity"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Less" is used for uncountable nouns like "capacity" when referring to a smaller amount of it. The phrase is commonly used and widely accepted, as confirmed by numerous examples.