posses

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "posses" is correct and usable in written English.
It is the third-person singular present form of the verb "possess". You can use it when referring to someone having possession of something, typically as a result of owning it. For example: "The posses a wide range of knowledge on the subject."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His immigration status remains unclear, although he certainly did not posses a social security number.

The Guardian

Annual joint military exercises are a new feature.Problem-solving groups come in all shapes and sizes, from quartets (for promoting Middle East peace or trying to settle the future of Kosovo) to entire posses.

The Economist

We hope, however, that we have extracted enough to show that we do not err in thinking Mr Kohl's book one of those which it is a satisfaction not only to read, but also to posses when read.

The Economist

But at a time when migrants and their allies were rallying in American cities and anti-migrant vigilantes were forming posses, Mr Bush mostly spoke of controls on those who "sneak across our border".

The Economist

America should act as sheriff, assembling posses as needed: hence the title of Mr Haass's book.PROMISED LAND, CRUSADER STATE.By Walter McDougall.Houghton Mifflin; 286 pages; $26THIS book attempts nothing less than an overview of the history of American foreign policy from the founding of the republic to the Clinton presidency.

The Economist

(A few saltier souls claim to relish the idea of forming armed posses to hunt the inmates down, should any escape).

The Economist

In the past the Security Council has authorised the use of "all necessary force" but has delegated the fighting to posses from willing nations.

The Economist

Western sheriffs "spent as much time riding swivel chairs behind rolltop desks as they did on horses leading posses", wrote Dee Brown, a historian of the West.The federal government takes responsibility for many essential services in the desert.

The Economist

Small labels such as Tommy Boy, Profile, and Def Jam set up offices in more accessible locations, and through their doors walked an army of rappers accompanied by "posses" of friends, bodyguards, and producers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Constables and watchmen were supported by citizens, posses (such as the posse comitatus), and, when riots occurred, the military or the yeomanry (a cavalry force largely composed of landowners).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It is not only wrong but also foolhardy to continue with a law that makes it illegal to posses ganja and its derivatives for medicinal purposes," Mr Golding added.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "posses", ensure it agrees in number with its subject. Remember it is the third-person singular present form of "possess". For other forms, use "possess".

Common error

A common mistake is using "posses" when the context requires the base form "possess". Always check subject-verb agreement to ensure you're using the correct form.

Linguistic Context

The term "posses" functions primarily as a third-person singular present tense verb, indicating that a singular subject owns, controls, or has a quality. Ludwig AI also confirms it is the third-person singular present form of the verb "possess".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "posses" functions as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "possess". While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI notes it's essential to use it accurately, ensuring subject-verb agreement. "Posses" indicates ownership, characteristics, or states of being and it appears across diverse sources but with a higher concentration in news and encyclopedic contexts. Be mindful of its agreement rules and consider alternatives such as "owns", "holds", or "has" for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

owns

Replaces "posses" with a more common and straightforward term indicating ownership.

holds

Suggests a formal or legal ownership, differing slightly in connotation from "posses".

has

Offers a simpler and more widely applicable alternative, indicating possession in a general sense.

retains

Implies keeping or maintaining possession of something over time, adding a nuance of continuity.

maintains

Indicates the preservation or upkeep of something one possesses, emphasizing responsibility.

is in possession of

Emphasizes the state of having something, often used in legal or formal contexts.

is the owner of

Clearly states ownership, removing any ambiguity about the right to possess.

can boast

Suggests that someone is proud of what they possess, adding a tone of pride or accomplishment.

lay claim to

Indicates the act of asserting one's right to something, differing in focus from simple possession.

is endowed with

Implies having a natural or inherent quality or characteristic, differing from material possession.

FAQs

How is "posses" used in a sentence?

"Posses" is the third-person singular present tense form of "possess". For example: "He posses a unique talent".

What is a synonym for "posses"?

Alternatives to "posses" include "owns", "holds", or "has" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "possess" instead of "posses"?

Use "possess" for all subjects except singular nouns or pronouns in the present tense. For example, use it with I, you, we, they, and plural nouns.

Is there a difference between "posses" and "possesses"?

No, there isn't. "Posses" is an archaic form. "Possesses" is the correct modern third-person singular present tense form of "possess".