ownership

Everyday

1. Ownership is the fact of owning something — having it as yours by right, like a house, a dog, or a bike. tree →
2. Taking ownership of a task means accepting it as your own responsibility and doing it well. tree →

In the lessons

In adult life ownership of a house comes after a mortgage is paid; documents prove ownership of a car. In law and custody talk, ownership of things is split after a divorce. In school, teachers praise pupils who "take ownership" of their learning. In stories, arguments over ownership start many quarrels. Phrases: home ownership, proof of ownership, change of ownership, take ownership of.

Examples

• The papers showed the farmer's ownership of the field. tree →
• The shop is under new ownership. tree →
• Home ownership is a dream for many families. tree →
• Our class took ownership of the vegetable garden. tree →
• The two boys argued about the ownership of the football. tree →
• Dog ownership means walking it every day. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Verb own; person owner. "-ship" makes a noun of state (friendship, membership). Owning something brings responsibilities, especially for pets.