to possess / to be in a possession of

[alikim]

Is the latter more official?

 

[Coral Russell]

to possess means to be in possession of

I possess multiple copies of this report.

:-D

 

[5jj]

If you possess something you own it, it is your property.

If you are in possession (not in a possession) of something, it is more likely that you have it on or about you at the time spoken of. It may or may not belong to you.

 

[alikim]

I probably need to elaborate.

I know it's the same, but for example in regards to tickets or passport they always say, "you must be in a possession of a valid ticket/passport" not just "you must possess", that's why the question.

A follow up question: what's the difference between "in possession" and "in a possession"?

 

[5jj]

I know it's the same, but for example in regards to tickets or passport they always say, "you must be in a possession of a valid ticket/passport" not just "you must possess", that's why the question.
In this situation, you must not simply own one, but actually have it with you.

A follow up question: what's the difference between "in possession" and "in a possession"? The correct expression is 'in possession of', without an article.

5

 

[alikim]

thanks!