a long possession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long possession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item or quality that has been held or owned for an extended period of time. Example: "The painting was a long possession of the family, passed down through generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It came at the end of a long possession that included much ball movement that ran time off the clock while frustrating the Gophers defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Dragons may not have much real use for all their wealth, but they know it to an ounce as a rule, especially after long possession; and Smaug was no exception...

Huffington Post

There were a few spells of long possession at the back, even under pressure, where Ryan, the back four and the two holding midfielders patiently kept the ball until there was an opportunity to find substitute Tom Rogic – who looked wonderful in the attacking midfield role.

The Guardian - Sport

English teams don't have long possession of the ball, but it's a curious fact: the Premier League has more ball in play than any other league.

The Guardian - Sport

Rulers identified by long possession of authority, present possession, conquest, succession, or positive law will be suitably salient and so legitimate, provided their rule tends to the common good.

SEP

"When we come down the field and give it up right away, it's another long possession on our defense".

Los Angeles Times

It puts a lot of pressure on our defense because Maryland has long possessions," said attackman Joey Sankey, who led Carolina with three goals and an assist.

Los Angeles Times

Instead, when Australia are struggling to control a match, they will need to become more experienced in possession and in gauging when they can play forward and when a long spell of possession is required.

The Guardian - Sport

Long possessions and shot selection will be important.

The New York Times

Unable to manage long possessions, the Americans were most threatening on set plays.

The New York Times

The same two players combined for the goal after Hibs were caught on the break following a long spell of possession.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long possession", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being possessed and the significance of the duration. For instance, specify whether it's a physical item, a skill, or a position of authority.

Common error

Avoid using "a long possession" when simpler terms like "ownership" or "tenure" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long possession" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly describes something that has been held or owned for a considerable amount of time. Examples showcase its use in contexts like family heirlooms or territories.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a long possession" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare noun phrase used to describe something held or owned for an extended duration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it emphasizes the length and significance of ownership or control. While accurate, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives like "extended ownership" or "lengthy tenure" in simpler contexts to avoid unnecessary complexity. When using "a long possession", ensure that the item being possessed and the duration's relevance are clear, and consider the level of formality in the surrounding text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended period of ownership

Adds emphasis on the duration and ownership aspect.

extended ownership

Focuses on the act of owning something for a considerable time, instead of the state of possessing it.

lengthy tenure

Emphasizes the duration of holding a position or role.

long-lasting control

Highlights the enduring nature of control.

prolonged control

Highlights the continuous exercise of power or influence.

sustained holding

Focuses on the act of keeping or maintaining something over time.

lengthy period of holding

Specifies the holding aspect as enduring over a prolonged period.

long-term retention

Emphasizes the act of keeping something for an extended period.

long-term custodianship

Similar to holding, but specifies that someone has responsibility over time.

protracted occupation

Suggests a drawn-out period of inhabiting or controlling a space or territory.

FAQs

How can I use "a long possession" in a sentence?

You can use "a long possession" to describe something held or owned for an extended time. For example: "The family home was "a long possession", passed down through generations".

What can I say instead of "a long possession"?

Alternatives include "extended ownership", "lengthy tenure", or "prolonged control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a long possession" or "long-term possession"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a long possession" emphasizes the duration of the act of possessing something, while "long-term possession" is more common and focuses on the nature of the possession itself.

What's the difference between "a long possession" and "a long period of ownership"?

"A long possession" refers to the state of possessing something for a significant time, while "a long period of ownership" emphasizes the act and duration of owning something.