i possessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I possessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to having ownership or control over something in the past. Example: "In my childhood, I possessed a rare collection of stamps that I cherished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They thought I possessed certain knowledge of sex the way I possessed certain knowledge of math.

The New Yorker

"I caught the ball, I possessed it.

The New York Times

I possessed none of those qualities.

The New Yorker

In my Chemical Bank checking account I possessed $810.

The New York Times

I could only be myself, and depend on such arts of seduction as I possessed.

The New Yorker

I regained at least all the strength I possessed a good many years ago".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

His motto was, "I possess, I am not possessed".

Encyclopedia Britannica

I possess vast powers of indifference".

The New Yorker

All of the stronger qualities I feel I possess.

The New Yorker

I possess these things because I was there.

The New York Times

I possess these things and give them my own meaning".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I possessed" to clearly indicate past ownership, skills, or qualities. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I possess" when referring to something you had in the past. "Possess" in the present tense indicates current ownership. For example, say "I possessed a car" not "I possess a car" if you no longer own it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I possessed" functions as a statement of past ownership, attribute, or skill. It indicates that the speaker once had something, whether tangible or intangible, as demonstrated in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I possessed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate past ownership, skills, or qualities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions effectively in diverse contexts, from formal news reports to personal narratives. While alternatives like "I owned" or "I had" exist, "I possessed" often adds a slightly more formal or descriptive tone. When using this phrase, ensure the tense is correct to accurately reflect past states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I owned

Simple substitution emphasizing past ownership.

I had

General term for past possession or experience.

I was in possession of

More formal way to indicate ownership or control.

I held

Suggests a more active or temporary holding of something.

I maintained

Implies continuous possession over a period of time.

I retained

Highlights keeping something that was previously possessed.

I wielded

Suggests having and using power or influence.

I controlled

Emphasizes authority and command over something.

I was gifted with

Suggests a natural talent or ability.

I inherited

Implies receiving something as a right or legacy.

FAQs

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

"I possessed" is used to indicate that you owned or had something in the past. For example, "I possessed a rare stamp collection as a child."

What can I say instead of "I possessed"?

Alternatives to "I possessed" include "I owned", "I had", or "I was in possession of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I possess" when referring to something I had in the past?

No, it is not correct. "I possess" is for present ownership. Use "I possessed" to indicate past ownership.

What's the difference between "I possessed" and "I used to have"?

"I possessed" is a more formal way of saying "I used to have". Both indicate past ownership, but "I possessed" can also imply a skill or quality.