continue to possess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to possess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ongoing ownership or control of something over a period of time. Example: "Despite the challenges, the company continues to possess a strong market presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Many Serbs continue to possess a view of political reality that is imaginative in disturbing ways.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the egalitarian values that inspired the socialist experiments continue to possess great intellectual and moral appeal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even when a lover seems to possess her beloved, she desires to continue to possess it in the future, which is not yet secure.

The Guardian - Opinion

To live well is to continue to possess the ability to converse, to read, to retain what I learn and to coherently reflect and understand.

The New York Times

If a laboratory acquired anthrax before 1997, when the law took effect, it could continue to possess anthrax without notifying the government, so long as it did not ship the germs, Dr. Atlas said.

The New York Times

But while Millay enjoyed enormous popularity during the 1920's and 30's -- she was voted one of the 10 most famous women in America in 1938 -- she no longer enjoys the sort of reputation that her contemporaries the Fitzgeralds continue to possess.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The DNC insists Sanders' campaign continues to possess private information from the Clinton campaign.

The Guardian

In 2002, Congress said Iraq continued "to possess and develop a significant chemical and biological weapons capability," actively sought a nuclear capability, and supported and harbored terrorist organizations.

The Washington Post

"The Iraqi regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised," said Mr Bush this March.

The Economist

Wo-oh-oh-oh-oh... Geri Haliwell Desire (Virgin) Here, Geri, who continues to possess all the sexual allure of a cardboard box full of rotting leaves, likens herself to a cat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the 50th anniversary of its initial publication, White's classic, still one of the bestselling children's books in publishing history, continues to possess a magical freshness that newer, trendier and more psychologically correct books cannot rival.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to possess" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of ownership or control, especially when there might be an expectation or possibility of change.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to possess" in situations where simpler alternatives like "still have" or "continues to have" would suffice. Overusing formal phrasing can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to possess" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an ongoing state of ownership or control. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. It typically connects a subject with the action of maintaining possession.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to possess" is a grammatically correct and relatively common verb phrase used to indicate the ongoing state of owning or controlling something. Ludwig AI insights show it's considered acceptable and frequently appears in news, encyclopedia entries, and academic contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. For simpler situations, consider alternatives like "continue to have". In summary, use "continue to possess" to highlight ongoing ownership, especially when the context implies a potential for change or challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to have

A simpler, more direct way of expressing ongoing ownership.

retain possession of

Focuses on keeping something one already has, emphasizing sustained control.

remain in control of

Emphasizes the aspect of maintaining authority or management over something.

maintain ownership of

Highlights the legal aspect of continuing to hold the rights to something.

keep in one's possession

Emphasizes the physical aspect of holding onto something.

hold onto

A more informal way of saying 'keep' or 'retain', often used for tangible items.

preserve one's claim to

Focuses on maintaining a right or entitlement to something.

sustain control over

Emphasizes the act of maintaining authority or dominance.

not relinquish

Highlights the act of not giving up something, focusing on refusal to release.

persist in having

Suggests a determined effort to keep something, possibly against challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "continue to possess" in a sentence?

Use "continue to possess" to describe an ongoing state of ownership or control. For example: "Even after the merger, the company "continues to possess" a significant share of the market".

What are some alternatives to "continue to possess"?

Alternatives include "retain possession of", "maintain ownership of", or "continue to have", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "continue to possess" than "continue to have"?

Yes, "continue to possess" is generally more formal than "continue to have". "Possess" implies a more formal or legal sense of ownership.

When is it appropriate to use "continue to possess" instead of "still have"?

Use "continue to possess" in situations where you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of ownership despite circumstances that might suggest a change. "Still have" is a simpler and more general way to express ongoing possession.