being possessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being possessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing ownership, control, or influence, often in a metaphorical or psychological sense. Example: "She felt as if she were being possessed by an overwhelming sense of fear during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Besides, you know the cliche about being possessed by possessions," he said.

Los Angeles Times

I have discovered the deep joy of culling my possessions, rather than being possessed by them.

The New York Times - Health

It should be noted that Vodouists are very open to being possessed by spirits (lwa), and possession is considered a common and often helpful occurrence in ceremonies.

Huffington Post

Thus the sense of being not in possession of a gift but being possessed by it, feeling oneself to be the passive vessel of grace.

The New Yorker

"It was like being possessed," he says.

The Guardian

Dark Skies is about people being possessed by an alien.

The Guardian - Film

I dreamed of being possessed by exceptional courage and heroism.

The New Yorker

Paranormal Activity was about people being possessed by a ghost.

The Guardian - Film

Or did she perhaps believe she was being possessed?

The New York Times - Books

At 15, she said, she was capable of being possessed.

The New York Times

She appears to consider being possessed by the devil to be a valid medical diagnosis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being possessed" in a fictional context, consider the specific entity or force causing the possession to add depth and intrigue to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "being possessed" lightly. While it can be a powerful metaphor, ensure the context justifies the intensity of the term. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being possessed" functions as a passive verb construction. It describes a state where a subject is acted upon by an external force or entity. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being possessed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb construction. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it signifies a state of lacking control due to an external influence. This phrase commonly appears in contexts related to news, media, wiki, and science. Its usage can range from formal in religious contexts to neutral in general conversation. When writing, it’s important to consider the context and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "under the control of" or "dominated by" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the control of

This alternative shifts the focus to the external force exerting control.

controlled by

This alternative focuses on the external force manipulating actions.

dominated by

This alternative suggests a strong influence overpowering someone.

subject to

This alternative highlights the state of being under someone or something's power.

overtaken by

This alternative suggests a sudden and overwhelming takeover.

gripped by

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and firmness of the control.

influenced by

This alternative indicates a more subtle form of control or guidance.

consumed by

This alternative describes being completely absorbed or dominated by something.

acting under the influence of

This alternative is a more verbose way to describe external control, often used in legal or formal contexts.

enthralled by

This alternative suggests a captivating and enchanting influence.

FAQs

How can I use "being possessed" in a sentence?

You can use "being possessed" to describe a state of control by an external force, whether literal or metaphorical. For example, "She felt like she was being possessed by anger."

What are some alternatives to "being possessed"?

Alternatives include "under the control of", "dominated by", or "influenced by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "being possessed by" something?

Yes, "being possessed by" is the standard construction when specifying what is doing the possessing. For instance, "being possessed by a demon" is grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "being possessed" and "being influenced"?

"Being possessed" suggests a complete loss of control, while "being influenced" implies a more subtle and partial effect on one's thoughts or actions. Possession typically indicates an overpowering force.