keep possession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep possession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to maintaining control or ownership of something, often in sports or legal discussions. Example: "The team managed to keep possession of the ball for most of the game, leading to their victory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The overturned call allowed the Patriots to keep possession.

The New York Times

Now it's normal for Manchester United to keep possession, pass, pass, backpass.

Independent

"We struggled to keep possession when we tried to build our game from the back.

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to keep possession better, need to be more patient," Sundhage said.

The New York Times - Sports

We want to keep possession and believe in what we're doing.

The New York Times

90+1 min: Well, Ireland didn't keep possession for long and soon Cyprus are bounding forward.

The Guardian - Sport

"To keep possession you have to regain the ball and keep the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

The teams struggled to keep possession of the ball and combined for 47 turnovers.

The New York Times - Sports

Romania keep possession with much more authority in the opening minute.

The Guardian - Sport

"We need to keep possession, attack and go for an early goal.

The Guardian - Sport

I would prefer we keep possession — we play with ball and make the other team chase us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sports, use "keep possession" to clearly indicate a team or player's ability to maintain control of the ball or puck, which often correlates with strategic advantage and scoring opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using "keep possession" when discussing abstract concepts or ideas. It's more appropriate for tangible items or physical control, so opt for "maintain control" or "retain ownership" in other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep possession" functions primarily as a verb phrase denoting the action of maintaining control or ownership of something. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep possession" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in sports and news media. It describes the act of maintaining control or ownership. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the context to ensure appropriate usage, avoiding overuse in non-physical scenarios. Alternatives such as "maintain control" or "retain ownership" may be more suitable in abstract or formal settings. The prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC underscores its reliability in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

retain control

Focuses more on the act of controlling something, applicable in broader contexts beyond physical objects.

maintain control

Similar to "retain control", emphasizing the continuous effort to keep something under management.

hold onto

More informal, suggesting a tighter grip or a more precarious hold on something.

preserve ownership

Emphasizes the legal right to something, often used in formal or legal contexts.

sustain command

Suggests maintaining a position of authority or leadership.

guard ownership

Focuses on protecting one's right to property.

secure tenure

Implies ensuring a long-term hold on a position or property.

defend custody

Used in situations where possession is being challenged or contested.

exercise dominion

Suggests exerting control over something, often with a sense of power or authority.

administer property

Refers to the act of managing or governing property.

FAQs

How is "keep possession" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "keep possession" is often used in the context of sports to describe a team or player maintaining control of the ball. For example, "The team needs to "retain control" to win the game".

What are some alternatives to using "keep possession"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "maintain control", "retain ownership", or "hold onto".

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "keep possession"?

"Keep possession" is most suitable when discussing physical objects or property, particularly in scenarios involving sports, legal matters, or physical control.

Which is more appropriate, "keep possession" or "maintain possession"?

Both "keep possession" and "maintain possession" are correct, but "keep possession" suggests an initial effort, while "maintain possession" implies an ongoing effort to retain control.