Sign In Get Started
Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with possession

In possession is the standard expression for having or controlling something. Of possession appears mainly in larger grammatical or legal phrases.

Quick answer

Using possession with prepositions

Use in possession to mean having something physically or legally. Of possession is uncommon alone and usually appears in phrases such as certificate of possession or expressions in grammar.

Police found the documents in possession of the suspect.
She is in possession of the keys.
The lawyer reviewed the certificate of possession carefully.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
in possession of + noun

Showing ownership or control

Use in possession of when someone has or controls something.

The museum is in possession of rare manuscripts.
He was found in possession of stolen goods.
2
take possession of + noun

Describing transfer of control

Use take possession of when someone gains control or ownership.

The company will take possession of the building next month.
She legally took possession of the property yesterday.
3
possession of + noun

Naming what is owned

Use possession of to identify the thing owned or controlled.

The possession of firearms is regulated here.
Illegal possession of drugs can lead to arrest.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in possession
She is in possession of the original documents.
Having or controlling something.
of possession
The phrase marker of possession appears in grammar lessons.
Of possession is not usually a fixed expression and often belongs to a larger phrase.
possession of
Possession of company data is restricted.
Names the thing owned or controlled.
take possession of
The buyers took possession of the house.
Gain ownership or control.

Common mistakes

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

Using of possession as a fixed phrase

English normally uses in possession or possession of instead.

✕ She was of possession of the files. ✓ She was in possession of the files.

Omitting of after possession

Use of before the thing owned or controlled.

✕ Possession illegal weapons is prohibited. ✓ Possession of illegal weapons is prohibited.

Using in possession without of when needed

Add of before the item being controlled.

✕ He is in possession the records. ✓ He is in possession of the records.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The suspect was found in possession ___ stolen property.
2. The family took possession ___ the apartment yesterday.
3. Illegal possession ___ firearms can lead to prosecution.

Check your sentence in context

Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.

Free to try · No signup required

Frequently asked questions

What does in possession mean?

It means having or controlling something physically or legally.

Is of possession correct?

Usually only as part of a larger phrase, not as a standalone expression.

What is the difference between in possession of and possession of?

In possession of describes a person or group that has something. Possession of names the thing owned or controlled.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

Write with confidence in Linguix

Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.

Create a free account