they possess

USAGE SUMMARY

'they possess' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a verb to convey that someone holds or has something. For example, "they possess a large collection of rare books".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They possess a sixth sense called taste.

The New York Times

They possess a five-point lead.

The Guardian - Sport

They will end up selling what little they possess.

The Guardian

They possess legal rights and human rights in other respects.

The Guardian - Opinion

They possess protective feelings for their families and friends.

The Guardian - Opinion

They possess a great deal of knowledge and passion.

The New Yorker

But they possess volume, and this is their strength.

The New York Times

Nor did they possess the "wiles of American players".

The New York Times

Being Coward songs, they possess a satiny cleverness.

The New York Times

What do they possess?

Evolution: Education and Outreach

They possess quality all over the pitch.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they possess" to add a touch of formality and sophistication to your writing, especially when describing inherent qualities or attributes.

Common error

Avoid using "possess" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "have" or "own" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they possess" functions as a verb phrase, indicating ownership, qualities, or attributes that a group or entity holds. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in expressing possession or inherent characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they possess" is a grammatically sound verb phrase frequently employed to denote ownership, qualities, or attributes held by a group or entity. While it carries a slightly more formal tone than simpler alternatives, as indicated by Ludwig AI, its widespread use across diverse contexts like news, science, and business makes it versatile. When deciding whether to use "they possess", consider the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey, remembering that alternatives like "they have" may be more appropriate in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they have

This is a more common and straightforward synonym, suitable for most contexts.

they own

Implies legal or rightful ownership, more specific than simple possession.

they hold

Suggests physical holding or a more abstract holding of power or influence.

they retain

Indicates continued possession, often after a loss or change.

they maintain

Highlights the act of keeping something in its current state.

they feature

Highlights a particular attribute or quality that is present.

they manifest

Indicates a clear or obvious display of a quality or characteristic.

they demonstrate

Implies evidence or proof of a particular quality or skill.

they embody

Suggests being a tangible or visible representation of a quality.

they command

Indicates control or authority over something.

FAQs

What is a more common synonym for "they possess"?

A more common synonym for "they possess" is "they have", which is suitable for most contexts and sounds less formal.

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

You can use "they possess" to describe something that a group or entity owns or has as a quality. For example, "They possess a wealth of knowledge" or "They possess the skills necessary for the job."

When is it appropriate to use "they possess" instead of "they have"?

Use "they possess" when you want to add a touch of formality or emphasize the inherent nature of the quality or attribute. "They have" is generally more versatile and can be used in most situations.

What is the difference between "they possess" and "they own"?

"They possess" can refer to both tangible and intangible qualities, while "they own" typically refers to tangible possessions or legal rights. For instance, "They possess great talent" versus "They own the building."