comes into possession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comes into possession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone acquiring or gaining ownership of something. Example: "After the auction, she comes into possession of a rare painting that had been in a private collection for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In the tale, the narrator comes into possession of a mythic book that is infinite.

The New York Times

MRS. CECIL GIVES 25TH BIRTHDAY BALL; Vanderbilt Heiress Comes Into Possession of Biltmore House and Vast Trust Fund.

The New York Times

CECIL GIVES 25TH BIRTHDAY BALL; Vanderbilt Heiress Comes Into Possession of Biltmore House and Vast Trust Fund.

The New York Times

In the normal course of business, Facebook naturally comes into possession of highly detailed personal information on its hundreds of millions of members.

The New York Times

This time, a modern-day would-be novelist comes into possession of Lincoln's secret diary, which details his efforts to wipe out the bloodsucking scourge from our land.

The New York Times - Books

Originally the Clennam family butler, Flintwinch becomes the business partner of Mrs. Clennam after he comes into possession of confidential information about the family and its financial dealings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But then the Democratic Union Party came into possession of most of northern Syria.

The New Yorker

They have come into possession of the neighboring country house and are thus the Mortmains' landlords.

The New York Times

Queens College came into possession of the house & its contents after Lucille Armstrong, his widow, died in 1983.

The New Yorker

(He declined to tell me how he came into possession of them).

The New Yorker

The Bear Run House came into possession of concrete and steel with which to build the house.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comes into possession" when you want to emphasize the process or transition of gaining ownership or control, especially when it's not a simple transaction. Consider alternative phrases like "acquires" or "obtains" for more direct and concise writing if the context allows.

Common error

Avoid using "comes into possession" in situations where simpler verbs like "buys", "receives", or "finds" would be more appropriate. The phrase is best reserved for contexts where the acquisition is complex, gradual, or involves a change in status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comes into possession" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring or gaining control of something. Ludwig AI shows its versatility through examples ranging from inheriting estates to obtaining classified information. The phrase introduces a change in ownership or control.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "comes into possession" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of acquiring something, particularly when the process is complex or involves a change in status. Ludwig AI indicates it is correct and usable in written English. While common, it's not the most concise option, with alternatives like "acquires" or "obtains" sometimes being more suitable. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Academia contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for various audiences. Avoid overuse in simple acquisition scenarios, and remember to use the correct verb conjugation based on the subject. The phrase is a valuable tool for describing how individuals or entities gain ownership or control, as seen through Ludwig's illustrative examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquires ownership of

This alternative directly replaces "comes into possession" with a more concise and formal expression for obtaining ownership.

gains control of

Focuses on the aspect of control rather than formal ownership, suitable when the context emphasizes influence or power.

takes ownership of

Similar to "acquires ownership", but with a slightly more active voice, implying a deliberate action.

falls heir to

Specifically refers to inheriting something, usually property or a title, adding a layer of generational transfer.

assumes control of

Highlights the act of taking charge or responsibility, often in a business or organizational context.

inherits

A direct and concise term for receiving something as an heir.

secures possession of

Emphasizes the effort or process involved in obtaining possession, suggesting a competitive or challenging situation.

obtains

A general term for getting something, suitable when the specific method of acquisition is not important.

gets hold of

An informal way of saying someone acquired something, often implying a stroke of luck or cleverness.

finds oneself in possession of

Highlights the unexpected nature of gaining possession, suggesting a surprise or accidental acquisition.

FAQs

How can I use "comes into possession" in a sentence?

You can use "comes into possession" to describe the act of acquiring something, especially when the process is not straightforward. For example: "After years of legal battles, she "comes into possession" of her family's estate."

What are some alternatives to "comes into possession"?

Alternatives include "acquires ownership of", "gains control of", or simply "obtains", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "come into possession" or "comes into possession"?

"Comes into possession" is the correct form when referring to a singular subject in the third person (he, she, it). "Come into possession" would be used with plural subjects (they, we) or the pronoun "I" or "you".

What is the difference between "comes into possession" and "inherits"?

"Inherits" specifically refers to receiving something as an heir, usually after someone's death. "Comes into possession" is a broader term that encompasses any method of acquiring something, including inheritance, purchase, or discovery. Using "inherits" implies a familial or legal transfer, while "comes into possession" does not.