does not possess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not possess" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone lacks something or does not have something. For example: "The student does not possess the necessary skills to complete the work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Japan currently does not possess such technology.

The Washington Post

sphaeroides does not possess such properties.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics

Britain does not possess such a system.

The Guardian - Opinion

It does not possess or seek weapons of mass destruction.

The Washington Post

Or - he simply does not possess weapons of mass destruction.

The Guardian

Europe does not possess a lot of desert.

The Guardian - Travel

Walsh does not possess such a tape, Levy said.

The New York Times - Sports

Furthermore, Warren would bring a populist appeal to the ticket that Clinton does not possess.

The Guardian

As Ouseley states, journalism in the UK does not possess a "constitutional status".

The Guardian - Opinion

It does not possess a broadcast licence or operate a printing press.

The Guardian - Opinion

Normally, one person or one company does not possess all resources to do this task.

Metal Finishing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "lacks" or "does not have" for more concise and informal writing contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "does not possess" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "doesn't have" or "lacks" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not possess" functions as a negative predicate, indicating the absence of a particular quality, attribute, or possession. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its usage across varied contexts, from discussing physical attributes to abstract qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

48%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not possess" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for indicating a lack of something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, it is important to note its formal tone, making it less suitable for casual communication. For everyday writing, consider using alternatives like "lacks" or "does not have". When formality is desired, "does not possess" effectively and precisely conveys the absence of a particular attribute or quality. Remember that appropriate register is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks

A more concise way of saying "does not possess", implying a deficiency or absence of something.

does not have

A common and straightforward alternative, indicating a lack of ownership or attribute.

is without

A slightly more formal way to express the absence of something.

is missing

A simple way of stating that something is absent or not present.

is devoid of

Emphasizes a complete absence or lack of something, often used for abstract qualities.

does not include

Indicates that something is not part of a set or collection.

is deficient in

Indicates a specific area of weakness or lack.

fails to exhibit

Highlights the absence of a particular characteristic or behavior.

is wanting in

Suggests a deficiency or inadequacy in a specific area.

cannot boast

Implies a lack of a positive attribute or achievement that one might be proud of.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "does not possess"?

You can use alternatives like "lacks", "does not have", or "is without" depending on the context.

Is "does not possess" formal?

Yes, "does not possess" is generally considered a more formal way of saying something lacks a particular attribute. It's suitable for academic, professional, and official contexts.

When should I use "does not possess"?

Use "does not possess" when you want to express a lack of something in a formal or professional setting. It's more appropriate for written communication than casual speech.

How can I use "does not possess" in a sentence?

You can structure sentences like: "The document "does not include" the necessary information", or "The candidate lacks the required experience".