reached capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reached capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a limit or maximum has been achieved, often in contexts such as attendance, storage, or resource usage. Example: "The event was so popular that it quickly reached capacity, and no more attendees could be admitted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Production never reached capacity.

The New York Times - Travel

With only five HD channels, Freeview has reached capacity.

The Guardian

Several routes on the system have reached capacity, particularly at rush hour, for the first time.

The New York Times

After the landfill reached capacity, it would be turned into a recreation area.

The New Yorker

But the systems automatically recorded over older material when they reached capacity, he wrote.

The New York Times

Britain's biggest airport has long since reached capacity, turning away airlines that would like to operate there.

The Guardian

It was not yet one o'clock when the second cooler reached capacity — mostly blues, a few fluke, a sea bass.

The New Yorker

The crowd reached capacity at 67,325 as portable bleachers seating 7,000 were installed around the stadium track.

The New York Times - Sports

American reactor operators have so far resorted to that technique only when their pools have reached capacity.

The New York Times - Science

When they arrived, a Clinton spokesman and a Secret Service official told CNN, the doors to the event were closed because it had reached capacity.

The Guardian

When it reached capacity it stopped recording votes while seeming to continue, said Jack Gerbel, president of the UniLect Corporation, which made the machine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reached capacity" to clearly indicate that a limit has been met, whether it's for physical space, data storage, or resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid using "reached capacity" when you simply mean something is very full but not at its absolute maximum. Using phrases such as "nearly full" or "almost at capacity" may be more appropriate in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reached capacity" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the completion of filling or maximizing a resource. It clearly communicates that a specified limit has been achieved. Examples from Ludwig AI demonstrate its widespread use in different contexts, from physical spaces to data limits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Travel

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reached capacity" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is full or at its maximum limit. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While generally neutral in register, it is important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriate usage. When writing, be mindful not to overuse this phrase when a more nuanced description is required, such as specifying that a resource is 'nearly full' or 'almost at capacity'. Considering similar phrases such as "filled to capacity" or "reached its limit" can also enhance writing. With its widespread use and straightforward meaning, "reached capacity" is a valuable phrase to have in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reached its limit

Focuses on the concept of a boundary or maximum permissible extent.

reached saturation point

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

filled to capacity

Highlights the state of being completely full.

attained maximum level

Emphasizes the achievement of the highest possible point.

become completely full

Describes the process of becoming entirely occupied.

hit its maximum

Informal way of saying a maximum limit was reached.

reached the maximum

Directly indicates the attainment of the highest quantity.

is at full stretch

Suggests that available resources are being fully utilized.

is maxed out

Casual term for using all available resources or space.

has no more room

Indicates the absence of available space for additional content.

FAQs

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

You can use "reached capacity" to describe when something is full or has met its maximum limit. For example, "The stadium "reached capacity" shortly after the gates opened".

What are some alternatives to saying "reached capacity"?

Alternatives include "filled to capacity", "reached its limit", or "attained maximum level". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the room is reached capacity"?

No, that phrasing is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "the room "reached capacity"" or "the room has "reached capacity"".

What's the difference between "reached capacity" and "exceeded capacity"?

"Reached capacity" means a limit has been met, while "exceeded capacity" means that the limit has been surpassed, often implying an overload or problem.