Possess or Posess – Which is Correct?
Ah, the English language, with its labyrinth of rules and exceptions, can be quite perplexing at times. One common source of confusion for language learners is the correct spelling of certain words. In this case, we find ourselves grappling with the question of whether it is “possess” or “posess” that is the correct form.
Let me put your mind at ease right away – the correct spelling is “possess.” Yes, you read that correctly. It is “possess,” not “posess.” So why is this the case? Let’s learn the nitty-gritty of this linguistic matter.
“Possess,” spelled with two S’s, is the accepted and recognized form of the word in standard English. It is a verb that means to have or own something. For example, you might say, “I possess a beautiful pen.” Here, the word “possess” conveys the idea of ownership or having something in one’s control or possession.
Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, I’ve seen it spelled with only one S – ‘posess’.” While it is true that you may encounter this misspelling in informal writing or careless typing, it is important to note that “posess” is not considered correct English usage. Rather, it is a spelling mistake that ought to be corrected. Stick with “possess” to ensure you’re using proper English and adhering to the standard conventions of the language.
To further solidify the correctness of “possess,” we can consider the rules of English spelling. In general, the addition of the suffix “-s” to a word follows a pattern of reduplication. That is, the final consonant in the base word is duplicated before adding the “-s.” For example, we have “buzz” becomes “buzzes,” “miss” becomes “misses,” and “tap” becomes “taps.” Applying this rule, we see that “possess” should indeed be spelled with two S’s, as the base word is “posses” and not “pose.”
Let’s explore a few more examples to help solidify your understanding. Imagine a scenario where you are describing someone’s admirable qualities. You might say, “She possesses great intelligence and kindness.” Here, “possesses” emphasizes that the person has, holds, or owns these qualities. Changing the spelling to “posesses” would not only be incorrect but also confuse readers, potentially altering the intended meaning.
In summary, the correct spelling is “possess,” with two S’s. This word, used as a verb, conveys the idea of having or owning something. Avoid the common misspelling of “posess” and stick with “possess” to ensure clarity in your writing and adherence to standard English usage.
So, the next time you find yourself pondering this question, remember that “possess” is the way to go. Fully embrace this spelling, and you’ll navigate the linguistic maze with confidence.