maintain possession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain possession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to ownership, control, or custody of an object or property. Example: "In order to win the game, the team must maintain possession of the ball for as long as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It won the ball with strong tackles (witness Cherundolo's leveling of Jermaine Taylor early in the game), possessed it with simple passes, and helped maintain possession so the United States could build its offensive attack.

The New York Times

His crisp passing helped the U.S maintain possession.

The New York Times - Sports

We needed to maintain possession and failed to.

The Guardian - Sport

Scotland could not maintain possession against the U.S.; Brazil is known for its ball control.

The New York Times

The linemen helped the offense maintain possession for 36 minutes 22 seconds against Minnesota.

The New York Times - Sports

Boyd helped his team maintain possession in the final third, and he assisted on Johannsson's winner.

The New York Times - Sports

Players who can maintain possession are those who can sprint repeatedly without tiring.

The Economist

There's a big pile but it looks as if Seattle will maintain possession.

The Guardian - Sport

In contrast, Colombia struggled to maintain possession despite occasional flashes of technical excellence.

The New York Times - Sports

He helped maintain possession in his hold-up play but his frequent back-passing seemed to deflate the attack.

The New York Times - Sports

He had too many turnovers and did not help his team maintain possession or create chances in the final third.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a team's strategy in sports, use "maintain possession" to emphasize their focus on controlling the game's flow through ball control, for example: "The team's strategy was to "maintain possession" to minimize the opponent's scoring opportunities."

Common error

Avoid using "maintain possession" when the context implies only temporary or fleeting control. For sustained and continuous control, "maintain possession" is appropriate. However, for a brief period, it might be more accurate to say something like "briefly held" or "had momentary control".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain possession" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of keeping control or ownership of something, as Ludwig AI confirms, citing numerous examples where this phrase is used to denote continuous control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sports

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain possession" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that describes the ongoing control or ownership of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, from sports strategies to legal matters. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal contexts. To ensure clarity, avoid using it when describing temporary control. Alternatives like "retain control" or "keep hold of" can be considered for nuanced meanings. Remember, clear and precise language ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Keep possession

A more straightforward and general way to express continuing to have something.

Retain possession of

Similar to "maintain possession", but emphasizes the act of keeping something one already has.

Retain control

Focuses on the act of keeping something under one's control without necessarily implying continuous physical holding.

Keep hold of

Emphasizes the physical aspect of maintaining something, often against a force trying to take it away.

Hold on to

Suggests maintaining possession in a more determined or precarious situation.

Preserve ownership

Highlights the legal aspect of maintaining a right or title to something.

Sustain control

Implies an effort to keep control going, particularly when it is challenging to do so.

Secure possession

Focuses on the initial act of gaining and ensuring possession is maintained.

Uphold tenure

Applies more specifically to maintaining a position or right over a period of time.

Defend ownership

Implies protecting possession from external threats or challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain possession" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain possession" to describe the act of keeping control of something, such as "The key to winning the game is to "maintain possession" of the ball" or "The company fought hard to "maintain possession" of its intellectual property".

What are some alternatives to "maintain possession"?

Alternatives to "maintain possession" include "retain control", "keep hold of", or "hold on to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "maintain possession of" or just "maintain possession"?

Both "maintain possession of" and "maintain possession" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the flow and clarity of the sentence. For example, "They aimed to "maintain possession"" and "They aimed to "maintain possession of" the ball" are both acceptable.

What's the difference between "maintain possession" and "gain possession"?

"Maintain possession" refers to continuing to have control or ownership of something, while "gain possession" means acquiring control or ownership for the first time. If you already have something and want to keep it, you "maintain possession". If you are acquiring something new, you "gain possession".