possession of

USAGE SUMMARY

"possession of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's ownership or control over something. Example: John was found guilty of the possession of stolen goods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fortunately, Kirsch is in possession of his.

The New Yorker

He felt in possession of a promise.

The New Yorker

It has taken possession of me.

The New Yorker

Howell never had possession of the ball.

The New York Times

In possession of $400.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $310.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $150.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $50.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $110.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $500.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In possession of $100.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possession of" when you want to emphasize ownership or control over something, particularly in legal or formal contexts. For instance, "the defendant was charged with the "possession of" illegal substances".

Common error

Avoid using "have" as a direct substitute for "possession of" in formal writing. "Have" is more casual and doesn't convey the same level of formality or legal implication. Instead of "He has the documents", use "He is in "possession of" the documents" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possession of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns to specify ownership or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts, such as legal charges (possession of drugs) and physical control (possession of the ball).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

39%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possession of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase primarily used to denote ownership or control. According to Ludwig AI, it's a standard phrase in English. It appears frequently in news and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "ownership of" and "in control of". When writing, use this phrase to emphasize a formal relationship between an entity and an object, especially in legal or official contexts. Be mindful not to casually replace it with "have" to maintain formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ownership of

This term refers to the legal right to control and dispose of property, emphasizing the legal aspect more strongly than simple possession.

in control of

Focuses on the act of managing or directing something, rather than just physically holding it.

custody of

Implies a responsibility to care for or protect something, often used in legal or caregiving contexts.

holding of

Describes the act of physically keeping something, highlighting the physical aspect of having.

occupancy of

Refers to the state of living in or using a space, focusing on the use of a location.

entitlement to

Emphasizes the legal or moral right to have something, more about rights than physical possession.

access to

Highlights the ability to use or obtain something, rather than necessarily owning it.

dominion over

Implies control and authority over something, suggesting a hierarchical relationship.

management of

Indicates the act of handling and overseeing something, often related to resources or operations.

authority over

Stresses the power or right to give orders or make decisions, rather than physical control.

FAQs

How can I use "possession of" in a sentence?

You can use "possession of" to indicate ownership or control, such as "The suspect was found in "possession of" stolen goods" or "The company has taken "possession of" the new property".

What are some alternatives to using "possession of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ownership of", "in control of", or "custody of". Each carries slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "in possession" instead of "in "possession of""?

While "in possession" is sometimes used, "in "possession of"" is generally more formal and precise, especially in legal or official contexts. "In possession" can sometimes be ambiguous, so "in "possession of"" is preferred for clarity.

What is the difference between "possession of" and "ownership of"?

"Possession of" implies physical control or occupancy, while "ownership of" implies legal rights. You can have "possession of" something without owning it, and vice versa. For example, renting an apartment gives you possession, but not ownership.