acquire possession of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquire possession of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of obtaining or gaining ownership of something. Example: "The company aims to acquire possession of the new technology to enhance its product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dominick Romain, 29, was arrested July 29 on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, violating parole and allegedly acquiring possession of access card information without permission.

Los Angeles Times

Three years later Miloš also acquired possession of the eastern Serb lands that the Turks had originally excluded from his jurisdiction (May 25 , 1833.

Britannica

Having lawfully acquired possession of a dozen cartons of motion pictures, law enforcement officers viewed several reels of 8-millimeter film on a Government projector.

Cornell University

In addition, the game was altered through three radical rule changes in the 1954 55 season: A team must shoot for a basket within 24 seconds after acquiring possession of the ball.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The privileges prescribed by subsections (a) and (c) do not, unless authorized by the copyright owner, extend to any person who has acquired possession of the copy or phonorecord from the copyright owner, by rental, lease, loan, or otherwise, without acquiring ownership of it.

Cornell University

24 461 For instance, in the case of Acarnania, Laertes and the Cephallenians acquired possession of it, as I have said;103 but as to what people held it before that time, many writers have indeed given an opinion, but since they do not agree in their statements, which have, however, a wide currency, there is left for me a word of arbitration concerning them.

University of Chicago

Virab Torosyan, 48, was arrested July 29 on suspicion of acquiring possession of access card information without permission, identity theft and a warrant for driving on a suspended or revoked driver's license.

Los Angeles Times

The Greek historian Strabo conveyed a sense of their wealth when he wrote: "The Nabataeans are a sensible people, and are so much inclined to acquire possessions that they publicly fine anyone who has diminished his possessions".

The Guardian

The cognitive and behavioral activities of therapy occur during attempts to sort, discard, or not acquire possessions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Subtypes and Spectrum Conditions

Affluenza is simply defined as the sickness of having too much -- of acquiring possessions as an end in itself without the ability and time to enjoy, experience and appreciate each and every one.

Huffington Post

According to this scale, people are materialistic to the extent that they place acquiring possessions at the center of their lives, judge success by the number and quality of one's possessions, and see these possessions as vital to happiness (for instance, they agree with statements like "My life would be better if I owned certain things I don't have").

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acquire possession of" when you want to emphasize the process of obtaining something, especially when legal or formal implications are involved. For instance, in contracts or legal documents, this phrase clearly indicates the transfer of rights and responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "acquire possession of" when a simpler term like "own" or "get" suffices. Overusing the phrase in everyday conversation can make your language sound unnecessarily formal and stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquire possession of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the act of gaining ownership or control over something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is usable in written English and suggests a formal or legal context for its application.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

20%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquire possession of" is a verbal phrase used to denote the formal action of gaining ownership or control. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in academic, news media, and encyclopedia contexts, indicating a professional register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "take ownership of" or "gain control of". Use this phrase when you wish to emphasize the legal or formal aspects of obtaining something and avoid it in informal contexts where simpler terms suffice. Remember to consider the context and formality of your writing when choosing to use "acquire possession of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take ownership of

Focuses more directly on the aspect of assuming ownership rights.

gain control of

Emphasizes the aspect of obtaining control rather than just ownership.

come into possession of

Implies a more passive or circumstantial way of acquiring something.

secure possession of

Highlights the effort or action taken to ensure possession.

obtain custody of

Specifically refers to gaining physical control or guardianship.

assume control of

Similar to gaining control, but can also imply taking over management.

get hold of

A more informal way of saying acquire, implying less formality in the acquisition.

lay hold of

An archaic phrasing, it indicates a firm grasp or seizure.

procure possession of

More formal, implying effort to obtain something.

fall heir to

Specifically implies inheriting something.

FAQs

What does "acquire possession of" mean?

The phrase "acquire possession of" means to gain control or ownership of something, often through a formal or legal process. It emphasizes the act of obtaining something, whether tangible or intangible.

When is it appropriate to use "acquire possession of" instead of "get"?

Use "acquire possession of" in formal or legal contexts where the process of obtaining something is significant. "Get" is more suitable for informal situations where the method of obtaining something is less important. Consider alternatives like "take ownership of" or "gain control of" depending on the context.

Can "acquire possession of" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, while often used for physical objects, "acquire possession of" can also apply to abstract concepts like data, rights, or information. The key is that something is being obtained or controlled.

What are some alternatives to "acquire possession of" that are less formal?

Less formal alternatives include "get", "obtain", "gain", or "come into possession of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For instance, in casual conversations, "get" is usually preferred.