What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hold
Example
Please hold this package for me while I grab my keys. [hold: verb]
Example
The company plans to hold onto its current market share. [hold: phrasal verb]
Example
I hold the belief that education is essential for personal growth. [hold: verb]
possess
Example
He possesses a vast collection of rare books. [possess: verb]
Example
She possesses excellent communication skills. [possess: verb]
Example
The fear of failure possessed him throughout the competition. [possessed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hold is more commonly used than possess in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hold and possess?
Possess is more formal than hold and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
