to be possessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be possessed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is under the control of another person or entity, with a slightly supernatural connotation. For example, "She felt as though she was possessed by an unstoppable force."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I interpreted her comments as compliments: how sophisticated I was, I thought, to be possessed with the joy of possession.

Huffington Post

To be possessed, "you have to invite a demon in.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hardware is expected to be possessed only by the client which requested the tickets.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She appears to be possessed by the ghosts of Sleater-Kinney.

The Guardian - Music

Books have always existed not merely to be read, but to be possessed.

MIT Technology Review

Indeed, the whole village seems to be possessed by barely suppressed yearnings and guilty secrets.

The New York Times

It was, but he [Redding] seemed to be possessed at that time.

The Guardian - Music

She, by contrast, barely mentions him, having no wish to be possessed.

The New York Times

Like the Glastonbury festival, these places are there to be shared, not to be possessed".

The Guardian - Travel

He seems to be possessed by a demon that forever seeks new ways to hurt him.

The New Yorker

In this ballet for three couples, everyone appeared to be possessed by wild passions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be possessed" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to literal demonic possession, a metaphorical sense of being controlled by an idea or emotion, or physical ownership.

Common error

Avoid using "to be possessed" when a milder term like "influenced" or "affected" more accurately reflects the degree of external control or impact. Overstating the level of control can lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be possessed" functions primarily as a passive infinitive verb phrase. It describes the state of being controlled or owned by an external entity, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples where individuals or objects are depicted under the influence of spirits, demons, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be possessed" is a versatile construction used to describe a state of being controlled by an external force, ranging from literal demonic influence to metaphorical domination by ideas or emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its prevalence in contexts such as News & Media and Academia highlights its relevance in both sensational and scholarly discussions. When writing, it's crucial to consider the intended nuance and choose the term that accurately reflects the degree and nature of control being exerted. Alternatives like "to be controlled" or "to be influenced" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be controlled

This alternative focuses on the aspect of control exerted by an external force, similar to being possessed but without the supernatural connotation.

to be dominated

This phrase emphasizes the complete control one entity has over another, akin to the power dynamic in possession.

to be owned

This alternative implies a sense of ownership and dominion, which can be a component of being possessed, especially in a metaphorical sense.

to be at the mercy of

This alternative implies a vulnerable state where one is completely dependent on and controlled by an external force or entity.

to be influenced

This alternative suggests a milder form of control, where someone's thoughts or actions are affected by an external influence, without necessarily being completely dominated.

to be subject to

This suggests being under the authority or control of someone or something, emphasizing a lack of autonomy.

to be under the sway of

This alternative suggests a persuasive influence that affects behavior or thought, often used in a negative or critical context.

to be consumed by

This phrase depicts being completely engrossed or overwhelmed by a feeling or idea, similar to how a possessing entity might dominate someone's mind.

to be gripped by

Similar to 'consumed by', this option suggests a powerful emotional or mental state that has a strong hold on someone.

to be enthralled by

This phrase indicates being captivated or charmed, which can lead to a loss of control, similar to being possessed.

FAQs

How is "to be possessed" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "to be possessed" usually describes a state of being controlled by an external force, whether literal (as in demonic possession) or metaphorical (as in being consumed by an emotion). For example, "She felt as though she was going "going to be possessed" by an unstoppable force".

What are some alternatives to "to be possessed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be controlled", "to be influenced", or "to be dominated". Each carries slightly different nuances regarding the level and nature of control.

When is it appropriate to use "to be possessed"?

Use "to be possessed" when you want to convey a sense of strong, often supernatural, external control over a person or object. If the context is less intense, consider using milder terms like "to be affected by" or "to be swayed by".

What is the difference between "to be possessed" and "to be obsessed"?

"To be possessed" implies external control, often with supernatural connotations, while "to be obsessed" suggests an internal, all-consuming preoccupation with something. Someone might claim "to be possessed" by a demon, but they are "to be obsessed with" a hobby.