Own vs. Owning

Attribute	Own	Owning
Definition	Having legal possession or control over something	The act of possessing or controlling something
Responsibility	Comes with ownership	May involve taking care of the owned item
Legal Rights	Owner has legal rights over the owned item	Owner exercises legal rights through owning
Transfer	Ownership can be transferred	Owning is the current state of possession

Definition

Own is a verb that means to possess something. It indicates that someone has control or possession over a particular item or object. For example, if you own a car, it means that the car belongs to you. Owning, on the other hand, is the present participle form of the verb own. It is used to describe the act of possessing something at the current moment. So, if you are owning a car, it means that you currently possess the car.

Usage

Own is used in sentences to show possession or control over something. For instance, "I own a house in the city" indicates that the speaker possesses a house in the city. Owning, on the other hand, is used in continuous tenses to show that the possession is ongoing. For example, "She is owning a successful business" suggests that the person currently possesses a successful business.

Formality

Own is a more formal term compared to owning. It is commonly used in legal documents, contracts, and official statements. Owning, on the other hand, is more casual and is often used in everyday conversations. For instance, you are more likely to hear someone say "I own a dog" in a formal setting, while in a casual conversation, they might say "I'm owning a dog."

Ownership Duration

Own typically implies a long-term or permanent possession. When someone says they own something, it suggests that they have had possession of it for a significant amount of time or intend to keep it for the foreseeable future. Owning, on the other hand, can imply a temporary or short-term possession. For example, if someone is owning a rental property, it suggests that they have possession of it for a limited period.

Responsibility

When you own something, you are responsible for its care, maintenance, and any associated costs. Ownership comes with a sense of duty and obligation towards the item or object. Owning, on the other hand, may not always carry the same level of responsibility. For example, if you are owning a borrowed book, you are responsible for returning it in good condition, but you may not have to worry about long-term maintenance.

Emotional Connection

Ownership often implies a strong emotional connection to the item or object being possessed. When you own something, it can hold sentimental value or significance to you. Owning, on the other hand, may not always involve the same emotional attachment. For example, if you are owning a company car, you may not have the same sentimental feelings towards it as you would if you owned your personal vehicle.

Legal Implications

Ownership carries legal implications and rights. When you own something, you have legal ownership and control over it. This means you have the right to sell, transfer, or dispose of the item as you see fit. Owning, on the other hand, may not always have the same legal standing. For example, if you are owning a leased property, you may have certain rights but not the same level of control as the owner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, own and owning are related terms that refer to possession or control over something. Own is the verb form that indicates possession, while owning is the present participle form used to describe ongoing possession. Own is more formal and implies long-term ownership, responsibility, emotional connection, and legal implications. Owning, on the other hand, is more casual, may imply temporary possession, and may not carry the same level of responsibility, emotional attachment, or legal standing. Both terms have their place in language and are used in different contexts depending on the situation.