issue a license

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue a license" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of granting official permission or authorization, typically by a governing body or organization. Example: "The city will issue a license for the new food truck after all inspections are completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Should they use Ms. Hill's original birth certificate and issue a license?

The New York Times

It also says, however, that the groups would accept a ruling simply ordering the government to issue a license immediately.

The New York Times

Oklahoma is considered a "shall-issue" state, meaning that once a resident meets the legal requirements, officials must issue a license.

The New York Times

With the Irish government's marine department refusing to issue a license for another boat for now, the show might never prove seaworthy again.

The New York Times

But on July 22, the California State Athletic Commission announced that it would not issue a license to fight for Barnett because he had tested positive for steroids.

The New York Times - Sports

Hedley Lomas brought action following that Ministry's refusal to issue a license for the export of live sheep to Spain requested by Hedley Lomas.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Alaska issued a license for a $20 billion natural gas pipeline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The federal government essentially issued a license to allow water resources to be polluted up to an acceptable level.

The Environmental Science of Drinking Water

Hanoi, for example, recently issued a license to the American International Group, a United States insurer, to sell life insurance.

The New York Times

Before issuing a license, the county makes sure contractors have insurance, and checks the status of any complaints against them.

The New York Times

If NRC issues a license for these categories, the Commission will consider establishing an annual fee for this type of license.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "issue a license", ensure that the context clearly indicates the authority or entity responsible for granting the license and the specific activity or privilege the license permits. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "issue a license" when simply acknowledging that someone possesses a license. "Issue" implies an active granting of permission, not just recognition of existing credentials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue a license" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of granting official permission to someone or something to perform a specific activity. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "issue a license" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of granting official permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers, though it leans toward formal and professional settings. Remember that "issue" implies an active granting of permission, so avoid using it when merely acknowledging an existing license. When writing, be clear about the issuer and the activity being licensed for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant a license

Focuses on the act of bestowing or conferring the license.

provide a license

Emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing the license.

authorize a license

Highlights the act of giving official approval for the license.

award a license

Suggests a formal or competitive process in granting the license.

confer a license

Implies a more ceremonial or formal granting of the license.

approve a license

Focuses on the act of officially sanctioning the license application.

release a license

Implies making the license officially available after a period of holding.

administer a license

Highlights the managerial or procedural aspect of issuing licenses.

extend a license

Refers to the act of prolonging the validity of an existing license.

validate a license

Focuses on confirming or attesting to the legitimacy of a license.

FAQs

How can I use "issue a license" in a sentence?

You can use "issue a license" when describing the act of an authority granting official permission. For example, "The department will issue a license to operate the new restaurant after the final inspection."

What are some alternatives to saying "issue a license"?

You can use alternatives like "grant a license", "provide a license", or "authorize a license" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "issue a license" or "grant a license"?

Both "issue a license" and "grant a license" are correct and often interchangeable. "Issue" emphasizes the official action, while "grant" highlights the permission given.

What's the difference between "issue a license" and "renew a license"?

"Issue a license" refers to the initial granting of permission, while "renew a license" refers to extending the validity of an existing license.