issuing a licence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issuing a licence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of granting official permission or authorization, typically by a governing body or organization. Example: "The government is responsible for issuing a licence to operate a business in this area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

An expert scientific panel convened by the HFEA asked for more evidence of safety before it would consider issuing a licence for doctors to perform the procedure.

The Guardian

The reason for issuing a licence for wolf hunting was officially that the wolf population was estimated to exceed the limit, set to 210 individuals.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

"We will take every application on its merits, there isn't a blanket ban, but we would not generally look at issuing a licence beyond 0200 GM T.

BBC

The feasibility of the plan depended on the government issuing a licence for a super casino, and Birmingham being chosen as the venue, but this did not happen.

Wikipedia

The feasibility of the plan depended on the government issuing a licence for a super casino as permitted under the Gambling Act 2005, and Birmingham being chosen as the venue, but this did not happen.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Less than 24 hours after Kim Davis was sent to a cell by a judge after she continued to refuse to issue licences, other staff in the Rowan County clerk's office began to issue a licence for James Yates and William Smith.

Independent

Before this year, the government required only a sample to issue a licence to sell food or medicine, rather than testing products in the marketplace.

The Economist

What would we say if the government's conservation watchdog issued a licence to allow a gamekeeper to shoot 10 careless motorists?

The Guardian - Opinion

"In these situations, the freeholders (and their solicitors) will issue a Licence to Assign coupled with a Deed of Covenant for new buyers to sign.

The Guardian - Money

LBI said Blue is the Warmest Colour, which has already concluded its theatrical run, should not have been issued a licence by the culture ministry.

The Guardian - Film

It has issued a licence to a small drug company called GW Pharmaceuticals, allowing it to investigate the medical uses of the dreaded weed.Many doctors believe that cannabis does, indeed, have legitimate medical uses.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about regulations or permissions, use "issuing a licence" to clearly indicate the formal process of granting authorization by an official body.

Common error

Ensure you're using "licence" (noun) correctly to refer to a permit or authorization, and not confusing it with "license" (verb), which means to grant a licence. For example, a company licenses its technology, resulting in the issuing a licence to the recipient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issuing a licence" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, describing the action of granting official permission or authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. The examples provided showcase its role in describing regulatory processes and formal approvals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "issuing a licence" is a grammatically correct and functional phrase used to describe the act of granting formal permission or authorization. Ludwig AI validates its usability, supported by examples from news, scientific, and general knowledge sources. Although moderately frequent, its application is primarily within neutral to formal registers. Consider its close alternatives such as "granting a permit" or "providing authorization" to enhance precision and style in writing. Always ensure the correct spelling ('licence' in British English, 'license' in American English) and avoid confusing it with the verb 'to license'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

granting a permit

Replaces 'licence' with 'permit', implying a similar form of authorization but potentially for a different activity.

approving a license

Uses 'approving' instead of 'issuing', focusing on the act of endorsing or sanctioning the licence.

providing authorization

Substitutes 'issuing a licence' with a more general term for granting permission, applicable in broader contexts.

authorizing permission

A more emphatic construction using the verb 'authorize' to underscore the act of granting formal consent.

awarding a certification

Changes 'licence' to 'certification', suggesting a formal recognition of competence or qualification.

legal sanction

Highlights the legal aspect of issuing a license, implying a legal authorization.

conferring a right

Emphasizes the act of bestowing a specific right or privilege through the issuance of the licence.

formal approval

Stresses the formal nature of the approval process involved in issuing a licence.

licensing procedure

Focuses on the process of granting a licence rather than the act of issuing it.

official endorsement

Highlights the official sanction or approval aspect of issuing a licence.

FAQs

What's the difference between "issuing a licence" and "granting a permit"?

While both phrases denote authorization, "issuing a licence" typically implies a more formal, regulated process, whereas "granting a permit" might refer to a less stringent or more localized approval. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Can I use "approving a license" instead of "issuing a licence"?

Yes, "approving a license" can be a suitable alternative. However, "issuing a licence" emphasizes the act of formally providing the license, whereas "approving a license" focuses on the decision-making process that precedes the issuance. The subtle difference lies in the stage of the process being highlighted.

What are some contexts where "issuing a licence" is commonly used?

"Issuing a licence" is frequently used in governmental, regulatory, and business contexts. Examples include governments issuing driver's licences, regulatory bodies issuing operating licences, and companies "issuing a licence" to use intellectual property.

Is "issuing a license" (with an 's' instead of 'c') correct?

While "license" is the standard spelling in American English, "licence" is the British English spelling for the noun form (a permit). Therefore, "issuing a license" is correct in American English, while "issuing a licence" is correct in British English. Be consistent with the spelling style you choose.