Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

you posses

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you posses" is not correct in English; it should be "you possess." You can use "you possess" when indicating that someone has or owns a particular quality, trait, or item.
Example: "You possess a unique talent for solving complex problems."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Banter is either something you posses [sic] or lack, there is no middle ground".

Therefore, it is essential that you posses the requisite knowledge to understand all of the risk to which you are exposed.

News & Media

Forbes

In the event you posses blue contraband after that date, we recommend wearing it inside out to prevent any further legal action ;).

News & Media

TechCrunch

Voltaire: Ibn Sinna, you who've been called Avicenna in the West, of all the theorists of time, you posses the thesis thought by many commentators to be the most devastating to Augustine's view of time, as it will no doubt prove to be to Marclay's video.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Focusing on the strengths, values, and positive assets you posses now is much more fulfilling.

Consider selling your collectibles, your expensive car and any other unnecessary assets that you posses.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Here are some qualities that you should posses: Though there is always room for improvement and you can go on to develop the qualities necessary for being a veterinary technician, if you already possess the qualities you need to excel at the job, then you have an advantage.

Alternatively, you may be seeking a better alternative in an industry in which you already posses well developed skills and expertise.

And you can posses rats.

You must posses superior communication skills, a strong sense of empathy, a can-do attitude, and relevant experience in the field to work at that paint store, so if you have any of those things please get in touch and give me some pointers.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Every single brain cell you still posses will be consumed with sheer terror at what is happening on your very doorstep.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you possess" or "you have" to indicate ownership or qualities. "You have" is often the clearer and more direct choice.

Common error

The most common mistake is misspelling "possess" as "posses". "Posse" refers to a group of people, especially one gathered to help law enforcement. "Possess" means to own or have something. Therefore, avoid using "posses" when "possess" is the correct term.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

75%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you posses" functions as a subject-verb construction where "you" is the subject and "posses" is intended to be the verb. However, it is grammatically incorrect due to the misspelling of the verb.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "you posses" is a grammatically incorrect form; the correct spelling is "you possess". While sometimes found online, as shown by Ludwig, it's essential to use the correct form to maintain credibility. The simpler alternative, "you have", is often preferable for clarity, even in formal contexts, unless a more emphatic or formal tone is specifically desired. Remember that "possess" has two 's' characters. Avoiding this misspelling enhances the quality of your writing and communication.

FAQs

What's the correct spelling, "you posses" or "you possess"?

The correct spelling is "you possess". "You posses" is a misspelling. Remember that "possess" has two 's' characters.

Is it better to say "you possess" or "you have"?

While both are grammatically correct, "you have" is often preferred for its simplicity and clarity in most contexts. "You possess" can sound more formal.

What does it mean to "possess" something?

To "possess" something means to own it or have it as a quality or attribute. For example, "You possess great strength" means you have great strength as a characteristic.

Can "you possess" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "you possess" can be used in formal writing. However, ensure that the context calls for a more formal tone. In many cases, "you have" is suitable even in formal contexts.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

75%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: