it possesses

USAGE SUMMARY

"it possesses" is a grammatically correct part of a sentence and can be used in written English.
Here is an example: "Due to its strong tail, the cheetah possesses an incredible ability to accelerate quickly and reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It possesses no power whatsoever".

The Guardian

It possesses a pastoral urbanity.

The New York Times - Books

Poetry is a vocation: it possesses you.

The Guardian - Books

It possesses very fine crystals and a sharp taste.

Columbia University

It possesses more resources and better, more available data.

Harvard Business Review

It possesses them, or they are possessed by it.

The New Yorker

It possesses and produces chemical and biological weapons.

The Washington Post

It possesses some really neat parallel and distributed algorithms.

MIT Technology Review

"It possesses a kind of manly and artless truth".

The New Yorker

It possesses huge deposits of uranium and other precious minerals.

The Guardian

His surface looks even and dry; it possesses some grass.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it possesses" when you want to convey a formal and slightly elevated tone, emphasizing the inherent qualities or attributes of a subject. For example, "The antique vase possesses a delicate beauty that captivates all who see it."

Common error

Avoid using "it possesses" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it has" or "it includes" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it possesses" functions as a subject-verb construction, where "it" is the subject and "possesses" is the verb. This structure indicates ownership or the presence of a particular attribute. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it possesses" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions to describe the inherent attributes or qualities of a subject. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for written English and appears across diverse contexts. While "it possesses" is more formal than simpler alternatives like "it has", it is particularly appropriate when conveying a sense of sophistication or emphasizing a specific characteristic. The phrase's prevalence in scientific and news-related sources underscores its formal and technical applications. Ludwig's examples also highlight that related phrases, such as "it contains" or "it features", can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has

This alternative is a more common and slightly less formal way to express the same idea.

it owns

This alternative suggests a more direct and concrete sense of possession, implying control or ownership.

it contains

This alternative focuses on the inclusion of something within the subject, rather than the subject's inherent attribute.

it features

This alternative highlights specific characteristics or aspects that the subject includes or displays.

it is endowed with

This alternative suggests that the subject has been given something as a gift or quality.

it is equipped with

This alternative implies that the subject has specific tools or resources for a particular purpose.

it boasts

This alternative is more emphatic and suggests a sense of pride in what the subject possesses.

it benefits from

This alternative focuses on the advantages or positive outcomes resulting from what the subject has.

it is characterized by

This alternative describes the subject by highlighting its most distinctive quality, implying the feature defines it.

it includes

This alternative suggests the item is a part of a greater whole.

FAQs

What is a more common alternative to "it possesses"?

A more common and less formal alternative to "it possesses" is "it has". This phrase is suitable for most contexts and maintains clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "it possesses"?

The phrase "it possesses" is best used in formal writing or when you want to emphasize a specific quality or attribute. It's also appropriate when aiming for a slightly elevated or sophisticated tone.

How can I use "it possesses" in a sentence?

You can use "it possesses" to describe a quality or attribute that something inherently has. For example, "The ancient manuscript possesses a wealth of historical information."

What's the difference between "it possesses" and "it contains"?

"It possesses" implies an inherent quality or attribute, while "it contains" suggests the presence of something within. For example, "The museum possesses rare artifacts" versus "The box contains old letters."