must possess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must possess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a requirement or necessity for someone or something to have a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "To be considered for the position, candidates must possess strong communication skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I MUST possess him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The animal inhabitants must possess considerable physiological adaptability to survive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To be deaf to her testimony, you must possess earplugs against bells that toll for thee.

The New Yorker

But to drive a hummer, a person must possess a particular frame of mind.

The New York Times

There are many that I MUST possess, in chunky, tangible print.

The Guardian - Books

There are certain attributes the ambassadors for London Collections: Men must possess.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In addition to speed and strength, a U.S.C. tailback must possess extreme levels of self-confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Laws wrote, "One must possess two important qualities: confidence and go-for-it attitude.

The New Yorker

As he sees it, there are three basic capacities that a living cell must possess.

The New York Times

The man and woman of character, they said, must possess a well-furnished mind.

The New York Times

Jerry, Mr. Spall says, wants to be Robert, and so he must possess his wife.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must possess", ensure that the context clearly establishes the necessity or requirement being conveyed. Avoid overuse to maintain impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "must possess" in informal settings can sound overly formal. Opt for alternatives like "needs to have" or "should have" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must possess" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating necessity or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples demonstrate its use in specifying required qualities or attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must possess" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey necessity or requirement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's primarily found in formal contexts such as scientific articles, news reports, and encyclopedic entries. While correct and usable, consider the tone of your writing and whether a less formal alternative might be more appropriate. When using "must possess", ensure that the context makes the requirement or necessity clear. Be mindful not to overuse it, as it can make your writing sound overly formal. Remember, alternative phrases like "is required to have" or "needs to have" can sometimes be better suited for informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is required to have

Emphasizes a mandatory condition or prerequisite; changes the verb and structure.

needs to have

Indicates a need or necessity; less formal than "must possess".

is essential to possess

Highlights the essential nature of possessing something; adds emphasis.

is vital to have

Stresses the importance or criticality of having something; similar to "essential".

is obliged to have

Implies a formal or legal obligation to possess something; more formal.

is bound to have

Suggests a moral or contractual obligation; slightly weaker than "obliged".

has a requirement to have

Focuses on the existence of a specific requirement; more descriptive.

is important to own

Emphasizes ownership as important; shifts the focus to possession as ownership.

should have

Expresses a recommendation or expectation; weaker than "must".

ought to have

Similar to "should have" but slightly more formal; conveys advice or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "must possess" in a sentence?

Use "must possess" to indicate a necessary quality or attribute. For example, "To succeed, one "must possess" resilience and determination".

What are some alternatives to "must possess"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is required to have", "needs to have", or "is essential to possess", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "must possess" more formal than "needs to have"?

Yes, "must possess" is generally considered more formal than "needs to have". "Needs to have" is often preferred in more casual or conversational contexts.

Which is correct, "must possess" or "should possess"?

"Must possess" indicates a requirement, while "should possess" suggests a recommendation. The choice depends on whether you are stating a necessity or giving advice.