small capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

"small capacity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to something that has a limited or reduced ability or quantity. Example: The small capacity of the building's elevator made it difficult for large groups of people to move between floors.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

But the space is small — capacity is 75 — so the vibe can change on a dime.

The New York Times

But quantities would be limited by the small capacity in Panama.

The New York Times

In general, capacitors that can withstand high voltages have a relatively small capacity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Architecture, too, "has served in no small capacity to shore up legitimacy in moments of doubt".

The New York Times

The new method and material made it possible for the battery to have excellent cyclability with small capacity losses.

Cornell University

Initially, a mathematical model is developed to design a small capacity solar thermal tower system.

Energy and Buildings

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Case studies are carried out with different heat exchanger configurations for small-capacity refrigeration applications.

International Journal of Refrigeration

The present paper carries out a performance assessment of a small-capacity reverse osmosis system.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

The same goes for the pair's latest project, Blue Velvet, a small-capacity basement club also in the city centre that opened last November.

The Guardian - Travel

Passengers can fly on jets in many categories, from small-capacity light cabins to midsize and supermidsize cabins to so-called heavy-metal jets.

The New York Times

All the screenings will take place at two cinemas and an arts centre in Newport – relatively small-capacity venues given the stars in attendance.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical spaces or containers, use "small capacity" to clearly indicate a limited volume or holding ability. For example: "The server room has a small cooling capacity, making it prone to overheating."

Common error

Avoid using "small capacity" when you actually mean limited capability or skill. Capacity refers to physical volume or potential, while capability refers to the ability to perform a task. For example, instead of saying "The team had a small capacity for innovation", it's more accurate to say "The team had limited innovative capability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small capacity" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a limited quantity or amount of something. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing physical spaces, data storage, and system capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small capacity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, employed to denote a limited quantity or amount. Its usage spans across diverse fields like science, news, and technology, indicating broad applicability. While interchangeable with phrases like ""limited capacity"" or "low capacity", it’s crucial to distinguish its use from describing skills or abilities, where terms like "limited skill" would be more fitting. Ludwig examples effectively illustrate its practical application in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited capacity

Replaces "small" with "limited", emphasizing the restriction in amount or ability.

reduced capacity

Uses "reduced" instead of "small", highlighting a decrease from a previous level.

low capacity

Substitutes "small" with "low", indicating a minimal level of ability or amount.

meager capacity

Employs "meager" for "small", suggesting a scant or deficient amount.

minimal capacity

Replaces "small" with "minimal", stressing the least possible amount.

limited potential

Shifts the focus to potential instead of capacity, implying restricted capability.

restricted volume

Focuses on volume rather than capacity, indicating a confined space.

small scale

Replaces capacity with scale, indicating limited dimensions or extent.

tiny amount

Uses "tiny amount" to express a very small quantity, differing in focus from the general concept of capacity.

narrow scope

Shifts the focus to scope rather than capacity, implying a limited range or extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "small capacity" to describe a physical limitation, like "The water tank has a "limited capacity"". It can also describe more abstract limitations: "The venue's "small scale" limited attendance."

What are some alternatives to "small capacity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as ""limited capacity"", "reduced capacity", or "low capacity" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "small capacity" to describe a person's abilities?

While technically correct, it's more common to use terms like "limited skill" or "restricted ability" when referring to a person's capabilities. "Small capacity" is usually reserved for physical objects or systems.

What's the difference between "small capacity" and "limited capacity"?

"Small capacity" and ""limited capacity"" are largely interchangeable. "Limited" emphasizes a restriction or constraint, while "small" emphasizes the size or amount. Both phrases convey that something has a reduced ability to hold or contain.