Quick Answer:
Possess or Posess is a common spelling question that confuses many writers
The correct spelling is possess, not posess.
Possess means to own, control, or have a skill, object, or quality.
Many people confuse it due to the double “s.”
I know why you’re here. You’ve probably typed a sentence, paused, and wondered, “Is it Possess or Posess?”
Remembering the extra “s” ensures your writing is professional, precise, and free from common errors in essays, emails, or work documents.
Meaning of Possess
To possess means to have ownership, control, or a particular ability.
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It can refer to tangible items or intangible qualities like skills or confidence.
Examples:
- She possesses a collection of rare coins.
- He possesses exceptional leadership skills.
- The artwork possesses immense emotional depth.
Using possess conveys authority, ownership, or mastery over something.
Why People Misspell Possess
English double letters confuse many writers.
Words like address, success, and process also have double “s,” which makes typing errors common.
Fast typing often results in posess, dropping the second “s.”
Tip:
Pair possess with words like success in your mind to reinforce correct spelling.
Origin of Possess
Possess originates from Latin possessus, the past participle of possidere, meaning “to have or hold.”
Initially used in legal and formal contexts to indicate ownership, it later expanded to include abstract qualities, skills, and emotions, bridging both tangible and intangible forms of possession.
British vs American English
The spelling of possess is the same in both British and American English. There is no variation, making it simple to standardize in global writing.
| English Dialect | Correct Spelling |
|---|---|
| British English | possess |
| American English | possess |
When to Use Possess
Use possess in formal and informal writing.
It fits essays, assignments, professional emails, work reports, legal documents, and casual communication.
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Anytime you want to indicate ownership, skill, or a quality, possess is correct.
Examples:
- Essay: “The protagonist possesses great courage.”
- Email: “I possess the requested documents.”
Common Mistakes
Mistakes often occur when writers:
- Drop one “s” → posess
- Forget double letters
- Type too quickly
Dropping the second “s” – Writing posess instead of possess.
- ❌ She posess a rare painting.
- She possesses a rare painting✅
Confusing with similar words – Mistaking possess for possession or other words and using it incorrectly in context.
- ❌ He posses a great idea.
- ✅ He possesses a great idea.
Typing too quickly or carelessly – Skipping letters due to fast typing, resulting in single “s” or missing letters.
- I posess the documents you need❌
- ✅ I possess the documents you need.
Correct vs Incorrect:
- She possesses excellent organizational skills. ✅
- ❌She posess excellent organizational skills.
Checking for the double “s” fixes most mistakes.
Possess in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- “I possess the necessary files for review.”
Social media:
- “She possesses incredible singing talent!”
Professional writing:
- “Our team possesses extensive market knowledge.”
School assignments:
- “The character possesses honesty and bravery.”
Using possess enhances clarity and professionalism.
Usage Comparison Table
| Context | Correct Sentence | Incorrect Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Objects | He possesses a classic car. | He posess a classic car. |
| Skills | She possesses excellent writing skills. | She posess excellent writing skills. |
| Legal terms | The company possesses the trademark. | The company posess the trademark. |
| Daily speech | He possesses a kind heart. | He posess a kind heart. |
FAQs
Can possess be a noun?
No, possess is a verb. The noun form is possession, referring to ownership or control.
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How to remember the spelling?
Think of words like success or address, which also use double “s,” to reinforce possess.
Is posess ever correct?
No, posess is always incorrect.
Can possess be used for skills or qualities?
Yes. You can possess talent, knowledge, confidence, or leadership abilities.
Conclusion
The correct spelling is always possess, with double “s,” and not posess. Remember, possess is a versatile verb used for ownership, control, skills, or abstract qualities.
Common mistakes include dropping the second “s,” typing too quickly, or confusing it with similar words like possession.
The spelling is consistent across both British and American English, so there’s no regional variation to worry about.
You can confidently use possess in essays, assignments, emails, professional reports, legal documents, and even casual writing.
Practicing examples, keeping the double “s” in mind, and comparing correct vs incorrect usage will improve your writing.
By mastering possess, you ensure clarity, professionalism, and credibility in all forms of communication.
