Possession vs Posession: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Have you ever found yourself confused about the correct spelling of the word “possession”? Is it spelled with one “s” or two? The answer is that the correct spelling is with two “s’s”. The word “possession” is a noun that refers to something that is owned or controlled by someone. On the other hand, “posession” is not a word in the English language.

In this article, we will explore the differences between possession and posession and why it is important to use the correct spelling. We will also discuss some common mistakes people make when spelling these words and how to avoid them.

Define Possession

Possession is the state of owning or having control over something. It refers to the physical or emotional ownership of an object, idea, or concept. Possession can be tangible or intangible. For example, a person can possess a car, a house, or a piece of jewelry, but they can also possess knowledge, skills, or emotions.

Possession can be temporary or permanent. It can be acquired through various means, such as purchase, inheritance, or gift. Possession can also be lost through theft, damage, or sale. Possession is often linked to identity and status, as people often use their possessions to define themselves and their social position.

Define Posession

Posession is not a word in the English language. The correct spelling is “possession.”

Posession is a common misspelling of possession, which can occur due to typographical errors or a lack of knowledge of the correct spelling. It is important to use the correct spelling of possession in written communication to ensure clarity and professionalism.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. In this section, we will discuss the correct usage of the words “possession” and “posession.”

How To Use “Possession” In A Sentence

“Possession” is a noun that refers to the act of owning or having something. It can also refer to the thing that is owned or had. Here are some examples of how to use “possession” in a sentence:

• He lost his possession of the ball during the game.
• She took possession of the house after the previous owner moved out.
• The painting is now in the possession of the museum.

It is important to note that “possession” is always spelled with double “s” in the middle.

How To Use “Posession” In A Sentence

“Posession” is not a word in the English language. The correct spelling is “possession.” It is important to double-check the spelling of words before using them in a sentence to avoid confusion or errors in communication.

More Examples Of Possession & Posession Used In Sentences

Understanding the difference between possession and posession is crucial in avoiding common spelling mistakes. Here are some examples of how to use these two words correctly in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Possession In A Sentence

• My possession of the antique vase is a point of pride for me.
• The team’s possession of the ball allowed them to score.
• His possession of the stolen goods led to his arrest.
• The company’s possession of confidential information is a cause for concern.
• Her possession of a green thumb makes her an excellent gardener.
• Our possession of the keys ensures that we can enter the building.
• Their possession of a large house is a symbol of their wealth.
• My possession of a valid passport allows me to travel internationally.
• The artist’s possession of a unique style sets her apart from others.
• The dog’s possession of a bone made him very happy.

Examples Of Using Posession In A Sentence

• Posession of illegal drugs can lead to serious consequences.
• The suspect’s posession of a weapon made the situation more dangerous.
• His posession of stolen property led to his arrest.
• The company’s posession of sensitive data is a cause for concern.
• Her posession of a rare book made her the envy of collectors.
• Our posession of the land gives us the right to develop it.
• Their posession of a large sum of money made them a target for thieves.
• My posession of a valuable painting is a source of pride for me.
• The athlete’s posession of the ball allowed him to score.
• The cat’s posession of a toy mouse kept her entertained for hours.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing, one of the most common mistakes people make is using possession and posession interchangeably. This is understandable, as the words sound the same and have a similar meaning. However, it is important to understand that they are not the same word and have different uses.

Mistake #1: Using “Posession” Instead Of “Possession”

The most common mistake people make is misspelling “possession” as “posession”. This mistake can be attributed to the fact that the word “possession” is often pronounced with a short “o” sound, which can be confused with the sound of the letter “e”.

However, it is important to remember that “possession” is spelled with two “s” letters and one “e” letter. Using “posession” instead of “possession” is incorrect and can make your writing appear unprofessional.

Mistake #2: Using “Possession” When “Possessive” Is Needed

Another common mistake is using “possession” when “possessive” is needed. While “possession” refers to the act of owning or having something, “possessive” is used to describe the relationship between a noun and its owner.

For example, “The cat’s toy” is a possessive construction, while “The cat’s possession” is not. Using “possession” instead of “possessive” can lead to confusion and incorrect grammar.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Double-check the spelling of “possession” to ensure that you are not using “posession” by mistake.
• When in doubt, use “possessive” instead of “possession” to describe the relationship between a noun and its owner.
• Proofread your writing carefully to catch any mistakes before submitting or publishing.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Context Matters

Choosing between possession and posession can be tricky, as the right choice depends on the context in which they are used. In some cases, the difference between the two might not be significant, but in others, it can be crucial. Therefore, it is essential to understand the context and the intended meaning of the sentence before deciding which term to use.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between possession and posession might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Term
Formal Writing	The possession of the property was transferred to the new owner.	Possession
Informal Writing	I lost posession of my phone.	Posession
Legal Documents	The defendant was charged with possession of illegal substances.	Possession
Psychology	The idea of demonic posession has been present in many cultures throughout history.	Posession

As you can see from the examples above, the choice between possession and posession can vary depending on the context. In formal writing and legal documents, possession is the preferred term, while in informal writing and psychology, posession might be more appropriate. It is important to note that the context can also influence the meaning of the sentence and the connotations associated with each term.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using possession and posession are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few situations where the rules might not apply:

1. Proper Nouns

When dealing with proper nouns, the rules for possession and posession can be a bit more flexible. For example, while “the cat’s toy” would be the correct way to show possession for a common noun, “Cat’s toy” would also be acceptable for a proper noun like a pet’s name. Additionally, some proper nouns may not follow the usual spelling conventions, so it’s important to double-check the spelling of the word before deciding which form to use.

2. Plural Possessives

When making a plural noun possessive, the rules can get a bit tricky. If the noun is already plural, simply add an apostrophe after the final “s” to show possession (e.g. “the dogs’ toys”). However, if the noun is not plural, add an apostrophe and an “s” after the final letter to show possession (e.g. “the child’s toys” becomes “the children’s toys”).

3. Possessive Pronouns

Possessive pronouns like “yours,” “mine,” and “theirs” already show possession, so there’s no need to use an apostrophe. For example, “That book is mine” is correct, while “That book is mine’s” is not.

4. Idiomatic Expressions

Finally, there are some idiomatic expressions that use possessive forms in unique ways. For example, “for goodness’ sake” and “at death’s door” both use the possessive form, even though they don’t refer to actual possessions. In these cases, it’s best to simply memorize the correct form and use it as needed.

Practice Exercises

Improving one’s understanding and use of possession and posession requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you master these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either possession or posession:

1. The __________ of the stolen property was unclear.
2. She took __________ of the situation and made the best of it.
3. John’s __________ of the ball was impressive.
4. The __________ of the land was disputed between the two families.
5. It is important to respect the __________ of others.

Answer Key:

1. The possession of the stolen property was unclear.
2. She took possession of the situation and made the best of it.
3. John’s possession of the ball was impressive.
4. The possession of the land was disputed between the two families.
5. It is important to respect the possessions of others.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. He was arrested for illegal __________ of drugs.
2. She lost all her __________ in the fire.
3. The __________ of the company was sold to a larger corporation.
4. Our __________ are a reflection of who we are.
5. She had a strong __________ of the English language.

Answer Key:

1. He was arrested for illegal possession of drugs.
2. She lost all her possessions in the fire.
3. The possession of the company was sold to a larger corporation.
4. Our possessions are a reflection of who we are.
5. She had a strong possession of the English language.

By completing these exercises and reviewing the answer keys or explanations, you can improve your understanding and use of possession and posession in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between possession vs posession, it is clear that correct grammar and language use are essential in effective communication. The incorrect spelling of a word can change its meaning entirely, leading to confusion and misunderstanding.

One key takeaway is that possession refers to the state of having something, while posession is an incorrect spelling. It is important to pay attention to the spelling of words and to double-check when in doubt.

Another important takeaway is that grammar rules can be complex and confusing, but there are resources available to help. Online grammar guides, dictionaries, and language-learning apps can be useful tools for improving grammar and language use.

Continuing Learning

As language and grammar continue to evolve, it is important to stay informed and continue learning. Reading books, articles, and other materials can help improve vocabulary and grammar skills. Additionally, taking courses or working with a tutor can provide personalized instruction and feedback.

Remember, effective communication is key to success in many areas of life, including personal relationships, education, and career. By continuing to learn and improve grammar and language use, individuals can enhance their communication skills and achieve their goals.