hold a licence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold a licence" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to possessing a valid license or permit for a specific task or activity. It can be used in various contexts such as work, education, or driving. Example: In order to work as a lawyer, you must hold a licence from the state bar association. Example: Before you can drive a car, you must hold a valid driver's licence from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Example: Students are required to hold a licence to operate laboratory equipment during science experiments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"ILGA has ongoing responsibility to consider whether casino operators in NSW and their associates are suitable to hold a licence.

The Guardian

It was being driven by the 16-year-old boy, who was too young to hold a licence.

The Guardian

"Dr Bonar does not currently hold a licence and is therefore unable to practise medicine in the UK.

The Guardian - Sport

If you hold a licence to broadcast any form of television in this country, there are conditions attached.

The Guardian

None was old enough to hold a licence but investigators said the driver might have held a learner's permit.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, all pilots flying in Europe undergo regular psychiatric evaluation as part of the aeromedical checks to ensure they are fit to hold a licence to fly.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Do you think the requirements to continue holding a licence are stringent enough?

The Guardian - Money

At the time, the Ministry of Defence held a licence allowing the army to fire high-explosive shells.

The Guardian

She holds a licence to fertilise them experimentally.The discovery could revolutionise infertility treatment for women in several ways.

The Economist

Some pop genres have traditionally held a licence to thrill, to divert and to exercise the mind.

Independent

As I've discovered in the five years I've held a licence, busking still isn't remotely lucrative.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "hold a licence", clearly specify the type of licence and the activity it permits. For example: "You must hold a driver's licence to operate a vehicle."

Common error

Remember that "licence" (with a 'c') is the noun in British English, while "license" (with an 's') is the verb. In American English, "license" is both the noun and the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold a licence" functions as a verb phrase indicating possession of a valid permit or authorization to perform a specific activity. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts demonstrating its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hold a licence" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that someone possesses the required authorization or permit to engage in a specific activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the type of license and the activity it covers. Remember the British English spelling is "licence", while American English uses "license" for both the noun and verb. Alternatives include "possess a license" or "be licensed" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a license

Replaces "hold" with "possess", emphasizing ownership of the license.

have a license

Uses "have" instead of "hold", offering a more direct and simple alternative.

be licensed

Shifts the focus to the state of being licensed, rather than the act of holding a license.

be certified

Suggests the possession of a formal certification, similar to a license, but applicable in different contexts.

be authorized

Emphasizes the permission aspect of holding a license.

be permitted

Focuses on the allowance granted by a license.

carry a permit

Similar to "hold a licence" but uses the term permit instead of license, with "carry" implying physical possession.

maintain a license

Highlights the ongoing effort to keep a license valid.

retain a license

Similar to "maintain a license", but emphasizes continued possession over time.

own a license

Emphasizes ownership of the license document or right.

FAQs

How can I use "hold a licence" in a sentence?

You can use "hold a licence" to describe someone who is authorized to perform a specific action, such as "Pilots must "hold a licence" to fly commercial aircraft".

What's the difference between "hold a licence" and "be licensed"?

"Hold a licence" emphasizes the act of possessing a valid authorization, while "be licensed" focuses on the state of being authorized. They are often interchangeable, but "be licensed" can imply a broader sense of approval or qualification.

Which is correct: "hold a license" or "hold a licence"?

"Hold a license" is the correct spelling in American English, while "hold a licence" is the correct spelling in British English. The meaning is the same.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "hold a licence"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "possess a license", "have a license", or "be authorized".