What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
own
Example
I own a car that I use for transportation. [own: verb]
Example
She is proud of her own business and its success. [own: adjective]
Example
He has been trying to own a house for years. [own: verb]
possess
Example
She possesses a rare collection of stamps. [possesses: verb]
Example
The company possesses a large amount of data on consumer behavior. [possesses: verb]
Example
He was found to possess illegal drugs. [possess: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Own is more common than possess in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between own and possess?
Both own and possess can be used in formal and informal contexts, but possess may be more formal and less commonly used in everyday language.
