being in possession of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being in possession of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a person or thing having something, either physical or abstract. For example, "The defendant was charged with being in possession of stolen property."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The TV industry should realize that being in possession of a customer's ear is a responsibility unlike that of being in possession of his eye.

The New Yorker

He acknowledged being in possession of a handgun.

The New York Times

He's surely right, especially about god not being in possession of one of Ollivander's finest creations.

Independent

Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford was arrested for being in possession of marijuana.

Independent

Do they, being in possession of the full complement of human emotions, like fun?

The Guardian - Film

German authorities are currently investigating Gurlitt for tax evasion – not for being in possession of looted artworks.

The Guardian

Mr. Sokol recalls having few qualms about being in possession of a free copy of the Gates-Allen program.

The New York Times

He was released under Oregon law for arrests on this type of offense, being in possession of a stolen weapon.

The New York Times

This revelation was a source of pride, and relief, too, at being in possession of my family history.

The Washington Post

"It's only used in those cases where the Devil is involved in an extraordinary sort of way in terms of actually being in possession of the person.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Illegal possession of ammunition: Pistorius is charged with being in possession of.38 ammunition without a permit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being in possession of" to denote a formal or legal state of having something, especially when the context involves rights, responsibilities, or potential legal implications.

Common error

Avoid using "being in possession of" in casual conversation; simpler alternatives like "having" or "owning" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being in possession of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of having something, often with legal or formal implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being in possession of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote ownership, control, or custody, often with legal or formal implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent use across varied contexts like news, science, and formal documents underscore its importance in clear communication. While common, it’s best reserved for formal or legal contexts, as simpler alternatives like "having" may be more suitable for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having custody of

Focuses on legal or formal control.

in receipt of

Formal way to state something has been received.

in control of

Emphasizes the power or authority to manage something.

in charge of

Highlights responsibility over an item or process.

owning

A more direct and simple way to indicate ownership.

with access to

Emphasizes the ability to use or obtain something.

holding

Implies temporary possession or physical grasp.

granted

Implies permission or right to own something.

carrying

Indicates physical transport or bearing of an item.

equipped with

Highlights the presence of necessary equipment or features.

FAQs

How to use "being in possession of" in a sentence?

Use "being in possession of" to indicate ownership or control, particularly in legal or formal situations. For example, "The suspect was arrested for being in possession of stolen goods."

What can I say instead of "being in possession of"?

You can use alternatives like "owning", "having", or "in control of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "being in possession of" or "being in position of"?

"Being in possession of" indicates ownership or control, while "being in position of" suggests a location or situation. Therefore, "being in possession of" is correct when referring to having something.

What's the difference between "being in possession of" and "having"?

"Being in possession of" is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts. "Having" is a more general term for owning or holding something. Therefore, "being in possession of" is suitable when legal or formal language is required.