nearing capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearing capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation or condition in which something is very close to reaching its maximum capacity. For example, "We are nearing capacity in our warehouse and need to find a larger space soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Oil ports shut down, and storage tanks were nearing capacity, oil analysts in Venezuela said.

The New York Times

"However, with London airports nearing capacity, the capital risks losing out to European rivals.

Independent

The company that operates the plant, in nearby Buchanan, says the move is needed to free up space in the storage pools, now nearing capacity.

The New York Times

These days, the temporary holding pens and long-term pastures where many wild horses end up are nearing capacity or full.

The New York Times

Without it, they said, the region must rely on a century-old, two-track tunnel from New Jersey to Pennsylvania Station in New York that is already nearing capacity.

The New York Times

The railroad is nearing capacity at Grand Central Terminal, its Midtown hub, and at rush hour it currently runs trains in and out of the Park Avenue tunnel at the fastest rate it can.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Near the appointed hour the Mannes Concert Hall was filled to near capacity.

The New York Times - Arts

On two visits, I watched the room fill slowly to near capacity — even on a frigid weeknight.

The New York Times

For companies that guarantee only some of their departures, one unfortunate result can sometimes be motor coaches filled to near capacity.

The New York Times

Planes are near capacity on many routes.

The New York Times - Tech

Refiners run near capacity every summer as families rack up miles on family vacations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "nearing capacity", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is approaching its maximum limit. For example, specify if it's a storage facility, bandwidth, or production line.

Common error

Avoid using "nearing capacity" without specifying what is nearing its limit. Be precise; for example, say "the server is nearing capacity", rather than just "we're nearing capacity."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearing capacity" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing something that is approaching its maximum limit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nearing capacity" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of approaching maximum limits. Ludwig AI confirms this. Predominantly used in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to inform about a situation requiring potential intervention. When using the phrase, it's best practice to specify what exactly is nearing its capacity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "approaching full" or "reaching its limit" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching full

Focuses on the state of being close to completely filled, instead of referring to a defined maximum.

reaching its limit

Emphasizes the act of arriving at the boundary or maximum allowable extent.

almost saturated

Implies a condition where no more can be added or absorbed.

at the saturation point

Highlights the specific moment of reaching maximum absorption or fulfillment.

close to maximum

Indicates a position near the highest possible quantity or degree.

on the verge of overflowing

Suggests imminent exceeding of capacity, often related to liquids or containers.

about to exceed limits

Focuses on the future action of surpassing an established boundary.

close to being maxed out

An informal way of saying something is close to its maximum.

filled to near bursting

Emphasizes the high level of fullness and the potential for breakage or overflow.

reaching maximum utilization

Highlights that resources are being used at their highest possible level.

FAQs

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

You can use "nearing capacity" to describe a situation where something is close to its maximum limit. For example: "The hospital's intensive care unit is "nearing capacity" due to the recent surge in patients."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "nearing capacity"?

Alternatives include "approaching full", "reaching its limit", or "almost saturated", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "nearing capacity" or "at capacity"?

"Nearing capacity" suggests that the limit has not yet been reached, whereas "at capacity" indicates that the limit has already been reached. The choice depends on the current state of the subject.

What does "nearing capacity" imply about future actions?

"Nearing capacity" often implies that actions need to be taken to either expand the capacity or reduce the demand to avoid exceeding the limit. For example, if a server is "nearing capacity", it might be necessary to add more servers or optimize the existing ones.