applying for a licence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying for a licence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of requesting official permission to do something, typically in a legal or regulatory context. Example: "I am currently applying for a licence to operate my new business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They are in the process of applying for a licence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A state would be responsible for verifying that anyone applying for a licence is in America legally.

The Economist

Makers Roche and GlaxoSmithKline are now applying for a licence to market the once-monthly ibandronate in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

The Guardian

Instead of getting swamped by the bureaucratic maze of Cuban institutions and applying for a licence to march, the local Observatory for LGBT Rights opted for the easiest way: get together in the streets without authorisation.

Independent

Entering administration and not applying for a licence in time are not comparable, and Grant succeeded only in returning quickly to reality when his players appeared to have successfully put it out of their minds for a day.

The Guardian - Sport

The DWT came up with a practical solution, applying for a licence to release the beavers back into the wild after they had been captured and tested and then monitor them over five years.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Why not apply for a licence?

The New Yorker

Not all Iranian models, however, have applied for a licence.

The Guardian

Three years ago they applied for a licence and were turned away.

The Guardian

A promoter has to apply for a licence to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

Back in 2010, self-styled "breastaurant" Hooters applied for a licence to open in Bristol.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "applying for a licence", ensure you specify the type of licence being sought and the relevant authority (e.g., "applying for a building permit from the city council").

Common error

Be mindful of the spelling: "license" is the noun in American English, while "licence" is the noun in British English. The verb form is always "license".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applying for a licence" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of formally requesting permission or authorization to engage in a specific activity. It is commonly used in legal, regulatory, and business contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "applying for a licence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the action of formally requesting permission to undertake a specific activity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and utility in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it maintains a neutral to professional tone. When writing, remember to clarify the type of licence and governing body, and ensure the correct spelling (licenCe in British English and licenSe in American English). Alternative phrases like "submitting a licence application" or "seeking a license" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

submitting a licence application

Focuses on the action of formally submitting the required documents.

seeking a license

A more general term for attempting to obtain a license.

requesting a license

Emphasizes the act of asking for a license.

obtaining a license

Focuses on the outcome of successfully getting the license.

filling out a licence application

Specifically refers to the act of completing the application form.

licence application process

Highlights the procedural aspect of obtaining a licence.

lodging a licence request

Formal way of saying that you are officially making a request.

licensing procedure

Highlights the established steps to be followed in obtaining a license.

licence procurement

Describes the act of acquiring a license.

undertaking the licensing process

Implies a more comprehensive involvement in all stages related to licencing.

FAQs

What does "applying for a licence" mean?

The phrase "applying for a licence" means you are formally requesting official permission to perform a specific activity, often regulated by a government agency or organization.

What can I say instead of "applying for a licence"?

You can use alternatives like "submitting a licence application", "seeking a license", or "requesting a license" depending on the context.

Is it "license application" or "licence application"?

In American English, it's "license application". In British English, it's "licence application". Ensure you use the correct spelling based on your audience.

What is the difference between "applying for a licence" and "obtaining a license"?

"Applying for a licence" refers to the act of submitting a request, while "obtaining a license" refers to the successful completion of the process and receiving the licence.