possess a common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possess a common" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks clarity and context.
It could be used in a context where you are discussing shared characteristics or traits among a group, but it would need to be part of a more complete phrase. Example: "They possess a common interest in environmental conservation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Nevertheless, while dialects of the same language differ, they still possess a common core of features.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However topical the subject and however prominent the contemporary satiric element in Molière's plays, his characters always possess a common denominator of universal humanity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Enediynes possess a common reactive center along with a chemical functionality that can trigger a cascade of events to form a highly reactive aryl-diradical.

Advances in DNA Sequence-Specific Agents

Members of the RIPK family possess a common kinase domain as well as unique accessory domains that likely dictate subcellular localization and substrate preferences.

Structure

Periplasmic binding proteins from Gram-negative bacteria possess a common architecture, comprised of two domains linked by a hinge region, a fold which they share with the neurotransmitter-binding domains of ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs).

FEBS Letters

These derivatives were synthesized by a one-pot coupling reaction between phenols and halo butenolide to give 5-phenoxy 3-methylfuran-2 5H -one (3-methylfuran-2 5H -oneossess 3-methylfuran-2 5H -oneith SLs.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The members of this enzyme superfamily display low levels of sequence identity while possessing a common fold and active site.

Journal of Molecular Biology

The two fragments were inserted into the ApaI/PstI sites of the pGEM-Teasy vector, possessing a common KpnI restriction site.

Fungal Genetics and Biology

For DNA sequences, motif finding is often applied to sets of sequences from a single genome that have been identified as possessing a common motif, either through DNA microarray studies [ 3], ChIP-chip experiments [ 4] or protein binding microarrays [ 5].

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

This is also consistent with BEX and WEX gene families possessing a common gene structure, namely three exons, with the most 3' of these always containing the entire protein-coding sequence.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

On the other hand, egg coat ZP proteins rapidly evolve because of positive selection [ 19]; therefore, it is difficult to infer correct phylogenetic relationships of the invertebrate and vertebrate egg coat ZPs even they had possessed a common ancestor.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing shared attributes, consider using "share a common" or "have a shared" instead of "possess a common" for clearer and more accepted English usage.

Common error

While "possess" isn't inherently wrong, overusing it can make your writing sound stilted. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "share", "exhibit", or "display" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess a common" functions to describe a shared attribute or characteristic among multiple entities. Although Ludwig AI considers it not correct in standard written English, it's found across various source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

News & Media

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possess a common" aims to express a shared attribute among entities. Despite its frequent appearance, especially in scientific literature, Ludwig AI marks it as not entirely correct in standard written English, suggesting alternatives like "share a common" or "have a shared" for enhanced clarity and acceptance. While the phrase effectively communicates shared traits, adopting alternative phrasings can refine writing style and ensure broader accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

share a common

Replaces "possess" with "share", offering a more standard and widely accepted phrasing.

have a shared

Uses "have" and "shared" instead of "possess" and "common", creating a grammatically sound alternative.

have in common

A more idiomatic expression that means to share characteristics.

exhibit a common

Substitutes "possess" with "exhibit", emphasizing the display of a common characteristic.

demonstrate a common

Replaces "possess" with "demonstrate", highlighting the showing of a common attribute.

display a common

Similar to "exhibit a common", but emphasizes the visible presentation of the shared trait.

feature a common

Uses "feature" to indicate that something includes or highlights a common attribute.

include a common

Emphasizes that a group or set contains a shared element.

are characterized by a common

Uses a passive voice to indicate a shared characteristic defines the group or item.

are unified by a common

Emphasizes that something shared brings the group together.

FAQs

Is "possess a common" grammatically correct?

While frequently used, especially in scientific and formal contexts, "possess a common" is considered less standard than alternatives like "share a common" or "have a shared".

What can I say instead of "possess a common"?

Alternatives include "share a common", "have a shared", or "exhibit a common", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "possess a common characteristic" or "share a common characteristic"?

"Share a common characteristic" is generally preferred as it is more idiomatic and clearer in standard English. While "possess a common characteristic" isn't strictly wrong, it can sound overly formal.

In what contexts is "possess a common" most frequently used?

Based on the examples, "possess a common" appears often in scientific and academic writing. However, for broader accessibility and clarity, simpler alternatives are often recommended.