Gain possession of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gain possession of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to acquiring or obtaining something, whether it be physical items, rights, or information. Example: "The company aims to gain possession of the patents to enhance its product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gain possession of the ball.

WikiHow

Gain possession of the puck by playing either a 3 or 7 Regain possession of the puck, if your team doesn't have it.

WikiHow

His purpose, prosecutors contend, was to gain possession of some of Sierra Leone's diamonds.

The New York Times

Symbols let us "gain possession of the world" through "intersubjectivity," shared knowledge.

The New Yorker

In that way each state attempted to gain possession of the territory of Macedonia itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What can you do to shield yourself from snoops who gain possession of your phone?

The New York Times - Tech

The Titans won the coin toss to gain possession of the ball and began the winning drive at their 31.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, they say, SL Green's sole goal is to foreclose on the Macklowes and gain possession of the building.

The New York Times

"If the data is relevant then it should be our goal to gain possession of the data," Mrs. Merkel said.

The New York Times

The alliance endured as long as the Elector believed that Louis XIV would help him gain possession of western Pomerania.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But, in spite of two expeditions (531 and 542), they were unable to gain possession of Visigothic Septimania.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports contexts, "gain possession of" effectively describes a team or player obtaining control of the ball or puck.

Common error

Avoid using "gain possession of" when a simpler verb like "get" or "obtain" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Gain possession of" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of acquiring or obtaining something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The surrounding words indicate what is being acquired and how.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Gain possession of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of acquiring something, whether tangible or intangible. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wikis. While acceptable in formal contexts, consider opting for simpler alternatives like "acquire" or "obtain" in informal settings. The provided examples show the phrase's broad applicability, from sports to legal matters, and the related phrases offer ways to refine your language based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acquire ownership of

Focuses specifically on obtaining legal ownership.

Take control of

Emphasizes the act of assuming command or authority.

Obtain custody of

Implies temporary or legal guardianship.

Secure possession of

Highlights the effort involved in acquiring something.

Come into possession of

Suggests a passive acquisition, often through inheritance or chance.

Get hold of

An informal way of saying to obtain something.

Seize control of

Highlights an abrupt and forceful action to obtain control.

Lay claim to

Highlights the assertion of one's rights in order to gain possession

Procure

Highlights the effort to obtain something, but is less specific than "Gain possession of".

Reap the benefits of

Focuses more on the outcome of gaining possession rather than the initial act

FAQs

How can I use "Gain possession of" in a sentence?

You can use "Gain possession of" to describe the act of acquiring something, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The company aims to "acquire ownership of" the patents" or "The team fought hard to "take control of" the ball".

What are some alternatives to "Gain possession of"?

Alternatives include "acquire ownership of", "take control of", "obtain custody of", or "secure possession of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "Gained possession of" or "Gain possession of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "gained possession of" is the past tense form, used to describe an action that has already occurred, while "gain possession of" is the present tense or infinitive form.

What is the difference between "Gain possession of" and "Obtain possession of"?

While both phrases mean to acquire something, "gain possession of" might imply a more active or effortful process, while "obtain possession of" can be more neutral.