possessed information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possessed information" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to information that someone has acquired or holds, often in a context related to ownership or control of knowledge. Example: "The detective relied on the possessed information to solve the case and apprehend the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"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

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

They said that commercial air carriers and their contractors possessed information about anti-terrorist measures that would remain effective only if the measures were closely held, and disclosing them could "endanger the traveling public".

The New York Times

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

When those agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, either failed to respond or refused to say whether they possessed information about her, she sued in U.S. District Court, alleging wrongful withholding of the information.

The New York Times

David Denby frames his "Great Books," in which a 48-year-old writer returns to college to learn how to read the classics and then teaches us how to read them too, with the self-effacing conceit that he had suddenly awakened to his own ignorance: "I possessed information without knowledge, opinions without principles, instincts without beliefs".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possessed information" when you want to emphasize that someone has acquired or holds knowledge that is relevant or significant. For instance, law enforcement might seek individuals who "possessed information" about a crime.

Common error

Avoid using "possessed information" when you simply mean someone was given information. "Possessed" implies a degree of control or ownership, not just receipt. Use "received information" if the context is about the act of being informed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possessed information" typically functions as a verb phrase where "possessed" acts as the main verb indicating ownership or control, and "information" is the object of that verb. Ludwig examples show it frequently used to describe someone having specific knowledge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "possessed information" is grammatically correct and functions to indicate that someone holds or has acquired knowledge, often with a sense of ownership or control. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. While versatile, its usage leans towards neutral to professional contexts, frequently appearing in News & Media and Science. Alternative phrases like "held information" or "had access to information" offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize a degree of control or ownership of the information, not just its receipt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held information

This alternative is more neutral and simply indicates that someone has information without necessarily implying control or ownership.

knew the information

This is a simpler way to say someone had knowledge of something, without focusing on the possession aspect.

had access to information

This phrase emphasizes the ability to access the information, rather than necessarily possessing it outright.

was aware of the information

This focuses on the person's consciousness of the information, rather than their control over it.

was privy to information

This implies that the person was intentionally given access to the information, often of a sensitive or confidential nature.

retained information

This suggests the person not only had the information, but kept it in their memory or records.

controlled the information

This stresses the ability to manage and use the information, highlighting power and authority.

maintained information

This implies actively keeping information up-to-date or in a specific state.

owned the information

This emphasizes legal rights or proprietary claim over the information.

mastered the information

Suggests a high level of understanding and expertise with the information.

FAQs

What does "possessed information" mean?

"Possessed information" indicates that someone has knowledge or data, often implying a degree of control or ownership over that knowledge.

What's a formal alternative to "possessed information"?

A formal alternative to "possessed information" could be "held information" or "maintained information", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone "possesses information"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to say someone "possesses information". Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

When should I use "had access to information" instead of "possessed information"?

Use "had access to information" when you want to highlight the ability to obtain knowledge, whereas "possessed information" focuses on the state of already having it.