possess excellence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possess excellence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a high level of quality or skill. Example: "To succeed in this competitive industry, you must possess excellence in your work and continuously strive for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Australians know as much as anyone that England possesses quality cricketers, whom through their own excellence they have made to play well below their standards individually and therefore collectively.

The Guardian - Sport

In particular, he argues that attempts to argue that our worth stems from some excellence we possess such as reason will not explain the worth of infants or those with severe brain injuries or dementia.

SEP

She was a conviction politician par excellence – possessed of an unwavering, almost messianic certainty that she was always right and her opponents either evil or weaklings.

The Guardian

From whatever source Egypt may have obtained its metalworking processes, Egyptian work at a remote period possesses an excellence that, in some respects, has never been surpassed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second principle is that of causal adequacy or the order of causes: No cause can produce or give rise to perfections or excellences that it does not itself possess.

SEP

Broadly trained and well-mentored, fellows at the Mayo Clinic possess a diverse set of skills which allow them to achieve excellence in all types of academic or community-based practice.

American Journal of Hematology

In 2005 it bestowed its Twenty-Five YeAwardard on the Yale Center, given to a 25- to 35-year-old project that continued to "perform its original function with perfection" and possessed "an enduring design excellence".

The New York Times - Arts

This individual was a subject matter expert in their field, having won multiple awards for excellence and possessing a multitude of industry credentials.

Huffington Post

He learned that the vast majority of the members of this select group possess the following seven key traits -- all of which have helped them achieve excellence. 1.

HuffPost

In contrast, in Aristotle's "best constitution," each and every citizen will possess moral virtue and the equipment to carry it out in practice, and thereby attain a life of excellence and complete happiness (see VII.13.1332a32 8).

SEP

4. Excellence and commitment woven into every finished product and performance, thus creating the integrity Edgar Risk Ventures, Ltd., shall possess.

Bplans

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possess excellence" when you want to emphasize that someone or something intrinsically holds a high degree of quality, skill, or virtue. It suggests an inherent characteristic rather than a temporary achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "possess excellence" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in contexts where simpler phrases like "be excellent at" or "show great skill in" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess excellence" functions as a verb phrase, where "possess" is a transitive verb and "excellence" is its direct object. It indicates the act of having a high degree of quality or skill.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possess excellence" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an inherent quality of high skill or virtue. Although Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is acceptable, it is relatively rare in common usage, often found in more formal or academic settings. Consider alternatives like "demonstrate excellence" or ""exhibit excellence"" for broader applicability. When aiming for a concise and impactful statement about inherent qualities, "possess excellence" can be a fitting choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibit excellence

Focuses on demonstrating excellence through actions or qualities.

demonstrate excellence

Similar to "exhibit excellence", emphasizing the outward display of high quality.

have a mastery of

Highlights a comprehensive understanding and skill in a particular area.

display mastery

Emphasizes showcasing expertise or skill.

embody excellence

Suggests that excellence is an intrinsic part of someone's character or being.

manifest excellence

Highlights the clear and obvious presence of excellence.

showcase talent

Focuses on displaying natural aptitude or skill.

have exceptional ability

Highlights possessing a skill level significantly above average.

be highly proficient

Emphasizes a high degree of competence and skill in a particular area.

excel in

Focuses on surpassing others or expectations in a particular activity or field.

FAQs

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

You can use "possess excellence" to describe individuals, teams, or organizations that have achieved a high standard of quality or skill. For example, "To succeed in this competitive industry, you must "exhibit excellence" in your work and continuously strive for improvement."

What are some alternatives to "possess excellence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "demonstrate excellence", "show mastery", or "have exceptional ability".

Is it more common to say "possess excellence" or "demonstrate excellence"?

"Demonstrate excellence" is generally more common and versatile, while "possess excellence" is a bit more formal and suggests an inherent quality. Both are correct.

What does it mean to "possess excellence"?

To "possess excellence" means to have a high degree of quality, skill, or virtue as an intrinsic characteristic. It implies a consistent and inherent ability to perform at a superior level.