is possessing

USAGE SUMMARY

"is possessing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a current state of ownership or control. Example: "She is possessing a rare talent for music." Alternative expressions include "has," "owns," or "holds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

What is possessing these people?

The New York Times

To be fair, they play with gusto even though it's clear the only qualification for band membership is possessing an instrument.

The Guardian - Travel

It is one of those moments when you realize just how young this person is, possessing talents that have far outgrown her mind.

The New York Times - Sports

Where they are is possessing the best record in the tough Western Conference, 27-11, and the second-best record in the N.B.A., behind only the 76ers, whom they beat by 18 points on Wednesday in Philadelphia.

The New York Times - Sports

However, in some cases impurities of differing valence (that is, possessing different numbers of bonding electrons) may be included in the material, and these impurities may act as donors or acceptors of electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The present article concentrates on the historical forces that transformed the primitive Christian movement into a church that was recognizably "catholic"—that is, possessing identifiable norms of doctrine and life, fixed structures of authority, and a universality (the original meaning of the term catholic) by which the church's membership could extend, at least in principle, to all of humanity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It is possessed by Dionysos.

The Guardian - Books

He works as if he is possessed.

The New Yorker

"That would mean the place is possessed.

The New York Times

"The person who is possessed may not even realise it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The story of Brian, however, is possessed by life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is possessing", consider if the simple present tense "possesses" might be more concise and natural. "Is possessing" is more suitable when you want to emphasize the ongoing or current nature of the possession.

Common error

Avoid using "is possessing" when a simple present tense verb like "has" or "owns" would be clearer and more idiomatic. The continuous tense can sometimes make the sentence sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is possessing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the present continuous tense of the verb "possess". It indicates an ongoing state of having or owning something. Ludwig highlights its grammatical correctness and usability, while suggesting contexts where simpler forms might be preferred.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is possessing" is grammatically sound and used to describe a present, ongoing state of ownership or control. Ludwig confirms its correctness. While simpler alternatives like "has" or "possesses" might often be preferred for conciseness, "is possessing" can be useful for emphasis. As seen from the examples Ludwig provides, this expression appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, and less often in informal communication. Consider context and desired emphasis when choosing between "is possessing" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possesses

Uses the simple present tense, which is more common for expressing possession as a state.

has

A more common and concise way to indicate ownership or attribute.

owns

Specifically indicates legal ownership.

is in possession of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "has".

is endowed with

Suggests the possession of a quality or characteristic.

is gifted with

Implies a natural talent or ability.

is characterized by

Describes a defining feature or attribute.

is exhibiting

Focuses on the current display or manifestation of a quality.

is displaying

Similar to "is exhibiting", but emphasizes the act of showing something.

is blessed with

Suggests a fortunate or divinely granted possession.

FAQs

When should I use "is possessing" instead of "possesses"?

Use "is possessing" to emphasize the ongoing or current nature of the possession. Otherwise, "possesses" is often a more concise and common choice.

What are some alternatives to "is possessing"?

Alternatives include "has", "owns", or "is in possession of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "is possessing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is possessing" is grammatically correct, although it's not always the most idiomatic choice. It's a present continuous form of the verb "possess".

What is the difference between "is possessing" and "is possessed by"?

"Is possessing" means that someone or something currently owns or holds something. "Is possessed by" means that someone or something is controlled or influenced by something else, often in a supernatural sense.