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Prepositions after verbs

possess by or possess of

Possess usually takes a direct object. Possessed by appears in passive structures, while possess of is old-fashioned or nonstandard in modern English.

Quick answer

Which preposition is correct with possess?

Use possess directly with an object, as in possess great skill. Possessed by is correct in passive or figurative uses. Possess of is rare and outdated in modern standard English.

She possesses excellent judgment.
He was possessed by fear.
The company possesses several patents.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
possess + object

Having or owning something

Possess normally takes a direct object without a preposition.

They possess valuable archives.
She possesses strong leadership skills.
2
possessed by + emotion or spirit

Passive and figurative uses

By introduces the force, feeling, or spirit affecting someone.

He seemed possessed by anger.
The character was possessed by a ghost.
3
be possessed of + quality

Formal or old-fashioned style

Possessed of appears mainly in formal or literary English.

She is possessed of remarkable patience.
The judge was possessed of deep knowledge.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
possess + object
They possess extensive resources.
standard modern pattern
possessed by
He was possessed by jealousy.
passive or figurative influence
possess of
She possesses of great talent.
nonstandard in modern English
possessed of
The team is possessed of confidence.
formal and less common expression

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Adding of after possess

Modern English normally uses possess directly with an object.

✕ She possesses of rare skills. ✓ She possesses rare skills.

Confusing possess and possessed by

Use possessed by in passive or figurative meanings.

✕ Fear possessed by him. ✓ He was possessed by fear.

Using by after active possess

Possess does not normally take by in active sentences.

✕ They possess by several licenses. ✓ They possess several licenses.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The museum possesses ___ rare manuscripts.
2. He was possessed ___ guilt.
3. The old text says the king was possessed ___ wisdom.

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Frequently asked questions

Is possess of correct?

Not in standard modern English. Use possess plus a direct object instead.

What does possessed by mean?

It describes someone strongly affected or controlled by an emotion, idea, or spirit.

Is possessed of still used?

Yes, but mainly in formal or literary contexts.

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