license

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "license" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a permit or authorization to do something. For example, "I need to apply for a license to operate my business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, in practice, it is hard to feel that my decision-making powers have been weakened because when I got my driver's license enrolling in organ donation was the default option.

The New York Times

In December, he refused to license a new grammar school in Kent while – with characteristic ambiguity – suggesting this refusal was merely a technicality.

The Guardian

Macdonald allegedly granted a lucrative coal exploration license to benefit a political ally, union boss John Maitland, in another high-profile matter investigated by Icac.

The Guardian

It was curtains for the whole bally lot of it – a heavy velvet drape drawn across a series that had taken artistic license to extremes, then set fire to it, then run away laughing.

The Guardian

"When you demonize a population, some people take that as a license to commit violence," said Heidi Beirich, director of the Intelligence Project at SPLC, which tracks hate crimes.

The Guardian

The special relationship gave Thatcher license to disagree on German reunification, the role of the United Nations in the Gulf war, and other points.

The Guardian

"We don't have license plates saying 'Black Power.'" Governor Nathan Deal said Tuesday that he was unaware of the plate.

The Guardian

According to Imperial College's Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, a researcher into the effects of drugs on the brain, "The current laws impede our research due to the requirement for a Schedule 1 drug license, which is expensive, takes a while to set-up and requires maintenance fees and check-ups.

The Guardian

In another incident, the license plate belonging to a Silver Dodge was dutifully entered into the FBI's database, after a "source" spotted the driver and another man photographing a building associated with TransCanada.

The Guardian

Let's say you and your partner dashed off to celebrate your long-standing relationship as soon as it was first possible to get a marriage license in your state.

The Guardian - Money

That's the homespun skepticism that earned Missouri its unofficial nickname – the stuff of license plates: the Show-Me State.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to professional qualifications, specify the issuing authority of the "license" (e.g., state board, federal agency) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "license" to mean complete freedom or lack of restraint. While a "license" grants permission, it does not imply unchecked or irresponsible behavior. "Liberty" or "freedom" are better choices for that concept.

Linguistic Context

The word "license" functions as both a noun, denoting a permit or authorization, and a verb, meaning to grant such permission. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "license" is widely used in both noun and verb forms, referring to official permission or the act of granting it. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and applicable across diverse fields like law, business, and technology. While "license" is most prevalent in news, formal, and scientific contexts, it's crucial to specify the type and issuing authority for clarity. Remember to differentiate it from "liberty", which implies general freedom rather than specific permission. Be careful on the choice "license" and "licence" based on geographical English context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permit

Refers specifically to official authorization, often for a particular activity or event. Has a slightly narrower scope than "license".

authorization

Focuses on the act of granting permission or power to do something; emphasizes the legitimacy aspect.

official permission

Directly conveys the idea of being allowed to do something by an authority. It is more descriptive and less formal than "license".

legal right

Emphasizes the lawful aspect of the permission, highlighting its enforceability and protection under the law.

certification

Implies a formal recognition of competence or qualification, often required for professional practice. Focuses more on verifying skills.

accreditation

Suggests a formal endorsement or recognition of a program or institution, ensuring it meets certain standards. More specific than a general "license".

franchise

Denotes the right or license granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory. Has a strong business connotation.

entitlement

Implies a justified claim or right to something, often based on law or policy. Broader than "license", as it doesn't always involve formal paperwork.

warrant

A document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police or some other body to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action relating to the administration of justice.

charter

A document outlining the principles, functions, and organization of a corporate body.

FAQs

How can I use "license" in a sentence?

You can use "license" as a noun, like in "I need a driver's license", or as a verb, like in "The company will license its technology".

What is the difference between a "license" and a "permit"?

While both grant permission, a "license" typically implies a more ongoing or professional authorization, whereas a "permit" is often for a specific, temporary activity.

What can I say instead of "license" when referring to software?

You can use terms like "software "agreement"", "terms of use", or "end-user license agreement (EULA)" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "licence" instead of "license"?

Yes, "licence" is a valid spelling, but it's more common in British English, while "license" is standard in American English. Both spellings are valid but context-dependent.