we continue to possess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we continue to possess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an ongoing state of having or owning something over time. Example: "Despite the challenges we face, we continue to possess the skills necessary to succeed in this industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These facts are critical to understanding the power and privilege we continue to possess or lack, to clarifying the positionalities we embody as we practice, teach and share yoga today.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many Serbs continue to possess a view of political reality that is imaginative in disturbing ways.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the egalitarian values that inspired the socialist experiments continue to possess great intellectual and moral appeal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even when a lover seems to possess her beloved, she desires to continue to possess it in the future, which is not yet secure.

The Guardian - Opinion

To live well is to continue to possess the ability to converse, to read, to retain what I learn and to coherently reflect and understand.

The New York Times

If a laboratory acquired anthrax before 1997, when the law took effect, it could continue to possess anthrax without notifying the government, so long as it did not ship the germs, Dr. Atlas said.

The New York Times

The early part of his second term was dominated by a diplomatic confrontation between members of the United Nations UN Security Councilil, which then included Germany, over UN efforts to ensure that Iraq did not continue to possess biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.

Britannica

But while Millay enjoyed enormous popularity during the 1920's and 30's -- she was voted one of the 10 most famous women in America in 1938 -- she no longer enjoys the sort of reputation that her contemporaries the Fitzgeralds continue to possess.

The New York Times - Books

The violence, which the American military said was clearly aimed at discrediting the new Iraqi government, showed that even after a lull in attacks following the successful Jan . 30elections, the insurgents continue to possess the resources and organizational structure to mount a disciplined strike across the capital.

The New York Times

Recently, I have been asking myself the same question that popped into my head fifteen years ago, "who owns the Japanese language curriculum?" I am no longer certain that the Japanese teaching professionals will continue to possess the sole ownership of the curriculum.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So the first part of fixing Facebook is really simple: No dominant social network should be allowed to possess, or continue to possess, multiple dominant social networks.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing this phrase with stronger verbs like 'retain' or 'maintain' for a more concise writing style.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we continue to possess" can sound overly formal or redundant in many contexts. Evaluate if a simpler phrase like "we still have" or a more active verb would better suit your writing style and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we continue to possess" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an ongoing state of ownership or control. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, suggesting its grammatical soundness. Examples show it in contexts requiring sustained ability or ownership over time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we continue to possess" is grammatically correct but relatively rare, indicating an ongoing state of ownership or control. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it leans towards formal contexts and can often be replaced with simpler alternatives like ""we still have"" or ""we retain"" for clarity. Its primary function is to emphasize the sustained nature of possession, suitable for professional or official communications. While accurate, be mindful of overuse in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we still have

Emphasizes the persistence of having something.

we continue to hold

Similar to 'we continue to possess' but using 'hold' instead of 'possess'.

we retain

Implies a conscious effort to keep or maintain something.

we maintain

Suggests active upkeep and preservation.

we keep

A more informal way of expressing continued possession.

we persistently retain

Emphasizes the persistent nature of retention.

we hold

Suggests a formal or legal possession.

we have consistently maintained

Highlights the consistent and proactive nature of maintaining something.

we own

Directly states ownership without emphasizing continuation.

we are in possession of

A more formal and somewhat redundant way of saying 'we possess'.

FAQs

What does "we continue to possess" mean?

The phrase "we continue to possess" means that a group or entity maintains ownership or control of something over a period of time. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of having something.

Are there simpler alternatives to "we continue to possess"?

Yes, simpler alternatives include "we still have", "we retain", or "we maintain". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "we continue to possess"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of ownership or control, particularly in formal or official contexts. For more casual situations, consider simpler phrasing.

Is "we continue to possess" more formal than "we still have"?

Yes, "we continue to possess" is generally more formal than "we still have". The former is often used in official or business communications, while the latter is suitable for more casual settings.