possess

USAGE SUMMARY

"possess" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts, typically to refer to having or owning something. For example: "Alice possesses a tremendous amount of knowledge about the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, Australia could become the first country to possess the Asian Cup and Asian Champions League trophies at the same time.

The Guardian - Sport

This will be confined to a 30-mile zone around Italy's coastal waters, possess a third of Mare Nostrum's maritime capacities, and be coordinated through the EU-funded Frontex agency.

The Guardian

To perform value is not necessarily to possess it.

The Guardian - Books

With the unions in retreat, Murray did not possess the powers of persuasion to lead a strong counter campaign.

The Guardian

Perhaps crucially, Watford possess an enviable range of attacking options but Bournemouth, Brentford and Ipswich have been punching above their supposed weights for too many months to be written off.

The Guardian - Sport

He believed himself to possess a set of basic analytical tools for operating upon a work of art.

The Guardian - Books

If you possess even the most rudimentary bullshit radar, these next few weeks are going to be genuinely intolerable.

The Guardian

In particular, the provision of information to the students who took part in the trip was insufficient and inadequate, and meant the daughter of the complainant did not possess the knowledge necessary to give informed consent".

The Guardian

The fusion of Scotland with England in 1707 created not only a multinational state but a constitutional palimpsest, a nation both Scottish and British, under which all Scots could not help but possess a dual identity, simultaneously nationalist and unionist.

The Guardian

They possess the best front six in the division, with their all-star forward line backed up by Aaron Ramsey and Peter Whittingham, the midfielder who was the leading scorer in the Championship last season, with Nigeria's Seyi Olofinjana providing some muscle, and when that lot hit decent form together, they are unmatched at this level.

The Guardian - Sport

It would take a greater knowledge of his poems than I possess to say whether or not he had much to say about Scotland as an independent nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possess" to denote a formal or legal ownership, or when emphasizing the holding of a specific quality or attribute. It adds a layer of sophistication compared to simpler synonyms like "have".

Common error

Avoid using "possess" in everyday conversation or informal writing where a simpler word like "have" would suffice. Overusing "possess" can make your writing sound unnecessarily stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The verb "possess" primarily functions to indicate ownership, control, or the holding of a particular quality or attribute. It is often used in formal contexts to denote legal ownership or to emphasize the importance of the quality being held, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possess" is a versatile verb primarily used to indicate ownership, control, or the holding of a quality or attribute. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in formal contexts. While "possess" can be used interchangeably with simpler synonyms like "have" or "own", it carries a more sophisticated and formal tone, making it suitable for news reports, academic papers, and business documents. However, it's essential to avoid overuse in informal settings, where a simpler word might be more appropriate. The high source quality and consistent usage highlight the authority and reliability of "possess" in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

own

Simple synonym for having ownership of something.

have

A general term for holding or owning something, less formal than "possess".

control

Implies having power or authority over something.

hold

Suggests physically or conceptually maintaining something.

retain

Indicates keeping or continuing to have something.

command

To have something at your disposal or under your dominion.

boast

To have something that is considered a positive attribute or feature.

occupy

To fill or take up a space or position, sometimes implying control.

enjoy

To have the benefit or pleasure of something.

exercise

To make use of a skill, right, or quality that one has.

FAQs

How to use "possess" in a sentence?

Use "possess" to indicate ownership or the holding of a quality. For example, "She possesses a rare talent for music" or "The company possesses significant assets".

What can I say instead of "possess"?

You can use alternatives like "own", "have", or "control" depending on the specific context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Which is correct, "possess" or "has"?

"Possess" and "has" can often be used interchangeably, but "possess" is more formal. Use "has" in informal contexts and "possess" when a more sophisticated tone is desired.

What's the difference between "possess" and "own"?

"Own" generally refers to legal ownership, while "possess" can refer to either legal ownership or the holding of a quality or attribute. For example, you can own a car, but also possess a certain skill.