formerly possessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formerly possessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was owned or held by someone in the past but is no longer in their possession. Example: "The painting, formerly possessed by a famous collector, is now displayed in the museum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Moorish groups to the west formerly possessed powerful tribal confederations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At shrugging off lives most formerly possessed of patience and not much more.

The Guardian - Books

Only the bureaucrats of Egypt (its priesthood) remain homeowners – the royalty take all that the 99% formerly possessed.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, there's also Ileana Magdalen, the formerly possessed, now just obsessed Croatian demon-slaying "Huntress," who arrives in upstate New York to take vengeance on her former demon, Leo.

The New York Times - Books

Patients who formerly possessed the relevant decision-making capacity might have anticipated the loss of capacity and left instructions for how future medical decisions ought to be made.

SEP

Second, on a view like Dworkin's, the past critical interests of an individual who formerly possessed the capacity for autonomy are, in a crucial sense, still her interests in the present, even if she can no longer take an interest in them.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Another passage, in the Commentary on Luke, also mentions a wife in the first person: "Formerly I possessed a wife in the lustful passion of desire and now I possess her in honourable sanctification and true love of Christ".

Wikipedia

The results showed that the formerly preterm individuals possessed smaller GM volumes.

Cerebral Cortex

"Formerly a candidate, unless possessed of popular gifts, did but little speaking," Lord Bryce observed in "The American Commonwealth," published in 1888.

The New York Times - Books

Formerly, very few women possessed of any self-respect would be seen entering a public-house; the shame which would have been incurred greatly screened them from temptation.

The Guardian

Mr. Dulles was formerly the administration's voice and he possessed great verbal facility.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formerly possessed", ensure it's clear what is now different about the situation. Provide context about the shift in ownership or state.

Common error

Avoid using "formerly possessed" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "used to have" or "previously owned" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formerly possessed" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing something that was owned or held by someone in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and understandable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formerly possessed" is a grammatically sound and somewhat formal way to indicate that something was previously owned or held by someone. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias offering a historical perspective. When choosing an alternative, consider the level of formality required; simpler options include "previously owned" or "used to have". Overall, "formerly possessed" is a useful phrase for providing context about past ownership.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly owned by

Specifies the previous owner in a passive construction.

previously owned

Focuses on the act of ownership rather than possession.

previously in possession of

A more formal way of saying someone had something.

that they used to possess

Emphasizes the action of possessing something in the past.

once held

Emphasizes the action of holding something in the past.

once in their possession

Highlights that the possession is not current anymore.

used to have

A more casual and common way of expressing prior ownership.

at one time had

Highlights that something was owned in the past but not now.

had in the past

Directly indicates that the possession occurred in the past.

previously under their control

Highlights previous control rather than ownership.

FAQs

How to use "formerly possessed" in a sentence?

Use "formerly possessed" to describe something that was owned or controlled by someone in the past but is no longer in their possession. For example, "The artifact, "formerly possessed" by the royal family, is now on display in the museum."

What can I say instead of "formerly possessed"?

You can use alternatives like "previously owned", "once held", or "used to have" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "formerly possessed by" or "formerly possessed with"?

"Formerly possessed by" is the correct phrasing when indicating who previously owned or held something. "Formerly possessed with" is not a standard or grammatically correct construction.

What's the difference between "formerly possessed" and "previously owned"?

While both phrases refer to past ownership, ""formerly possessed"" is slightly more formal and can imply a deeper connection or control than just simple ownership, which is what "previously owned" suggests.