in possession of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in possession of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or entity who has control over something, typically physical items such as objects, documents, etc. For example: The police officer was in possession of a gun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fortunately, Kirsch is in possession of his.

The New Yorker

He felt in possession of a promise.

The New Yorker

In possession of $400.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $310.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $150.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $50.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $110.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $100.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $25.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $500.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Caught in possession of drugs?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in possession of" when you want to emphasize the act of having or holding something, especially when it implies responsibility or control. For example, "The captain was in possession of the ship's log."

Common error

Avoid using "in possession of" when a simpler word like "has" or "owns" will suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted. For example, instead of saying "He is in possession of a car", consider saying "He has a car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in possession of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating ownership, control, or custody. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in possession of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote ownership, control, or custody. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. It's particularly common in formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and legal documents. While simpler alternatives like "having" or "owning" exist, "in possession of" adds a nuance of responsibility or official capacity. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose the phrasing that best conveys your intended meaning. Ludwig's examples illustrate the breadth of situations where this phrase is appropriately used, solidifying its status as a valuable tool in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having

A more concise way to express ownership or control.

owning

Specifically indicates legal ownership.

holding

Suggests temporary or physical control.

in control of

Emphasizes the aspect of managing or directing something.

in charge of

Indicates responsibility and authority over something.

entrusted with

Implies a duty or responsibility given to someone.

responsible for

Highlights accountability for something.

benefiting from

Suggests gaining an advantage or profit from something.

endowed with

Implies a natural or inherent quality.

seized of

An older legal term for being legally possessed of something.

FAQs

How to use "in possession of" in a sentence?

The phrase "in possession of" indicates that someone has or holds something. For example, "The suspect was found "in possession of the weapon"".

What can I say instead of "in possession of"?

You can use alternatives like "having", "owning", or "holding" depending on the context. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "in possession of" or "in the possession of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in possession of" is generally more concise and common. "In the possession of" can be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts.

What's the difference between "in possession of" and "responsible for"?

"In possession of" indicates that someone has or holds something. "Responsible for" indicates that someone is accountable for something. You can be in possession of something without being responsible for it, and vice versa.