possess information

USAGE SUMMARY

"possess information" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that someone has knowledge or data. For example: "The scientists possessed information that could help find a cure for cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But Egyptian officials immediately dismissed the possibility that Mr. Taha could possess information pertinent to the crash investigation.

The New York Times

Sometimes, however, government officials possess information that would be of interest to the public, and thereby valuable for news organizations.

The New York Times

She wrote that "it is essential that I am able to appeal to members of the public who might possess information regarding the fate of Kathleen Durst".

The New York Times

Nixon wanted not only to possess information but to know who else held it — and, more important, who was leaking it.

The New Yorker

The Obama administration's 2009 review cleared the Yemeni national for transfer, an indication the government does not possess information sufficient to charge him with an offense nor considers him a threat to US or allied security.

The Guardian

Although he believes we possess information about Shakespeare in "relative abundance," he admits that "there are huge gaps in knowledge that make any biographical study of Shakespeare an exercise in speculation".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

(b) A person who possesses information regarding plans and intentions of governments and/or organizations hostile to the United States.

The Guardian

Creates offences associated with financing and support for terrorism, as well as criminalising specified offences such as possessing information for terrorism or inciting overseas terrorism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hammer eventually realises that Torn possessed information about a package of narcotics that eventually turn up in a locker at a sports club.

The Guardian - Books

"He told me Assange and WikiLeaks possessed information and that they would release it and it would be devastating to the Clintons," Stone said.

The New Yorker

And because Mr. Lay sold his shares back to Enron, rather than into the open market, it becomes harder for prosecutors to demonstrate that he possessed information that the company lacked -- a crucial element of insider trading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possess information" when you want to emphasize formal or official holding of data, especially in legal, technical, or intelligence contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "possess information" in casual conversation; simpler alternatives like "know" or "have" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possess information" functions as a verb phrase where "possess" is the main verb and "information" is the direct object. It signifies the state of having knowledge or data. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possess information" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone has knowledge or data. Ludwig AI validates that it's usable across various contexts. This phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business settings, emphasizing official or controlled access to data. While "possess information" is acceptable, simpler alternatives like ""have information"" or "know information" may be more suitable for informal situations. Avoid using it excessively in casual conversation to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have information

Uses "have" instead of "possess", indicating ownership or access to information.

hold information

Emphasizes the act of retaining information.

retain information

Highlights the continued possession of information over time.

own information

Stresses the right or claim to the information.

be privy to information

Indicates exclusive access or knowledge of information.

be aware of information

Focuses on the consciousness or understanding of information.

know information

A more direct and simpler way to express having information.

have knowledge of

Replaces "information" with "knowledge", suggesting a deeper understanding.

be informed about

Highlights the state of being knowledgeable.

command information

Suggests control or mastery over the information.

FAQs

What does "possess information" mean?

To "possess information" means to have knowledge or data, often implying ownership or control over that information.

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

Example: "The witness may "have information" about the crime."

What can I say instead of "possess information"?

You can use alternatives like "have knowledge of", "be aware of", or simply "know", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "possess information" versus "know information"?

"Possess information" is more formal and suggests a level of control or ownership over data. "Know information" is more general and suggests simple awareness.