is in possession of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in possession of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has or owns something, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The evidence is in possession of the authorities as part of the ongoing investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fortunately, Kirsch is in possession of his.

The New Yorker

Who is in possession of the "real" truth?

The Economist

Maybe Mr. Shyamalan is in possession of something similar.

The New York Times

They've demanded that Mr. Bennett prove he is in possession of the power to demand that Hawaii prove it is in possession of the document.

The New York Times

It is clear that in Syria, only the Assad administration is in possession of this weapon.

Independent

At times, on the other hand, he is in possession of too many of them.

The Guardian - Books

Until this court is in possession of £200,000, an innocent man stays in jail.

The Guardian

Now in his mid-50s, he is in possession of a certain rapscallion charm.

The Guardian - Arts

Ms. Osipova is in possession of a singular free-floating jump; as ballerinas go, she is of the air.

The New York Times - Arts

(No word on if the seats eject. Or if Coach Mark Helfrich is in possession of nuclear launch codes).

The New York Times - Sports

In Los Angeles, young people flock to a night club that each night is in possession of a single leaf.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is in possession of" in formal or legal contexts where precise language is important. For general writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "has" or "owns".

Common error

Avoid using "is in possession of" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler options are usually preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in possession of" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of ownership, control, or holding. This aligns with Ludwig's observation of its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is in possession of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in formal and legal contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates ownership, control, or holding something. While it's a valid phrase, consider using simpler alternatives like "has" or "owns" in informal writing to avoid sounding overly formal. This phrase is common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, making it a versatile choice for various types of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has

A simpler and more common way to indicate ownership or holding.

is the owner of

A more explicit way to state ownership.

owns

Indicates legal ownership of something.

has custody of

Indicates legal responsibility for someone or something.

holds

Suggests physical or legal holding, often temporary.

controls

Implies the power to direct or manage something.

retains

Suggests keeping or continuing to have something.

is the bearer of

Suggests carrying or holding something significant.

maintains

Implies keeping something in good condition or continuing to possess it.

can access

Indicates the ability to use or obtain something.

FAQs

What does "is in possession of" mean?

The phrase "is in possession of" means that someone or something has or owns something. It's often used in formal or legal contexts.

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

You can use alternatives like "has", "owns", or "holds" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is in possession of"?

Use "is in possession of" in formal writing, legal documents, or when you want to emphasize the act of having something, often with a sense of responsibility or control.

Is there a difference between "is in possession of" and "owns"?

While both indicate ownership, "is in possession of" can sometimes imply temporary holding or control, whereas "owns" typically refers to legal ownership. The choice depends on the specific context.