Meaning & use
mere possession
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseformallegal
The state of simply having something, without any further action or use being involved.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; often after 'the', 'by', or 'through'.
Patterns
- the mere possession of something
- by mere possession
- mere possession is enough
In some countries, the mere possession of a weapon is a crime.
The mere possession of a ticket does not guarantee you a seat.
She was arrested for the mere possession of stolen goods.
phrasefixed phraselegal
In law, the fact of having something under one's control, even if one does not own it.
Grammar: Legal term; contrasts with 'ownership'.
Patterns
- mere possession of drugs
- mere possession charge
The charge was mere possession, not intent to sell.
He was found guilty of mere possession of a controlled substance.
Common combinations
- mere possession of
- The mere possession of a firearm requires a license.
- by mere possession
- You don't become the owner by mere possession.
- mere possession charge
- He faced a mere possession charge, which is less serious.
Synonyms and how they differ
- simple possession
- Used especially in legal contexts for drugs; often interchangeable but slightly more informal.
- bare possession
- More formal and less common; emphasizes that nothing else is added.
Word family
- possess verb
- To have or own something.
- possession noun
- The state of having or owning something.
Commonly confused: mere possession or mere presence?
mere possession vs mere presence
Means simply being in a place, while 'mere possession' is about having something.
Practice
In many legal systems, _______ of a prohibited item is enough for a conviction.
Choose one answer.
'Mere possession' means simply having the item, which is the standard phrase for this legal idea. 'Mere presence' would mean being there, not having the item.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “mere possession”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.