in their possession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their possession" is a valid phrase used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is owned, held, or controlled by someone or something. For example, "The company kept the contract in their possession until it expired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The pieces of the pyramids are still in their possession.

Independent

"We didn't know they had grenades in their possession".

The Guardian

"The college has the paintings in their possession.

The New York Times - Arts

A CD with approx 100 photos and a video — CID has these in their possession".

The New Yorker

Reports indicated that the youths had three screwdrivers in their possession.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said they were willing to die and had weapons in their possession.

The Guardian

Borrowers are responsible for loss, damage, and theft of a laptop while in their possession.

University of California, Berkeley

Equipment operators must have in their possession a valid state license where required.

Princeton University

Often my interlocutors had no memory themselves of what treasures were in their possession.

The New Yorker

There was "no bomb-making paraphernalia" in their possession, a source said.

The Guardian

If they die with it in their possession, they face damnation.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that the context clearly establishes who "their" refers to, to avoid ambiguity. If the reference is unclear, rephrase for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "their" if it's not immediately clear who or what group is being referred to. This can lead to confusion. Instead, specify the group or individuals clearly: "The students had the books in their possession" vs. "The students had the books in the library's possession".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their possession" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the state of holding, owning, or controlling something. This is supported by Ludwig AI and demonstrated through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

17%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their possession" is a versatile prepositional phrase indicating ownership, control, or holding of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, from formal news reports to informal wikis. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the referent of "their" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "in their keeping" or "under their control" can offer nuanced meanings. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately convey the intended meaning in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their keeping

Focuses more on the act of guarding or maintaining something.

in their custody

Implies a legal or formal responsibility for something or someone.

under their control

Highlights the power and authority over something.

in their hands

Suggests direct management or handling of something.

at their disposal

Indicates availability for use as needed.

under their ownership

Emphasizes the legal right to possess something.

within their grasp

Highlights the accessibility or reach of something.

in their charge

Implies a duty or responsibility to care for something.

on their person

Specifically refers to items carried directly by someone.

belonging to them

A simpler, more direct way of stating ownership.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in their possession" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "in their custody", "under their control", or "under their ownership" depending on the context. Consider also the alternatives "in their keeping" or "at their disposal".

What is the difference between "in their possession" and "on their person"?

"In their possession" generally means that someone owns or controls something, while "on their person" specifically means that someone is carrying something directly on their body. For example, a weapon might be "in their possession" if it's in their house, but it's "on their person" if they're carrying it.

Is "in their possession" interchangeable with "belonging to them"?

While similar, "in their possession" often implies a temporary state or a situation where someone has control over something, whereas "belonging to them" more strongly emphasizes ownership. You can also replace it with a simple "belonging to them" depending on the context.

When should I avoid using the phrase "in their possession"?

Avoid using "in their possession" if the pronoun "their" is ambiguous or unclear. Ensure the context makes it immediately obvious who or what "their" refers to. If there is any potential for confusion, rephrase the sentence to specify the possessor directly.