licensed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"licensed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been certified or authorized by a specific person or organization. For example, "This software program is licensed by Microsoft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Photo: creative commons licensed (BY) flickr photo by USDAgov.

Huffington Post

Banks are licensed by the ministry.

The Economist

Is the latter licensed by the former?

The Guardian - Books

Both schools were licensed by the state.

The New York Times

The brokers are licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

The New York Times

All such arrangements had to be licensed by Military Government.

The New Yorker

Most performances have to be licensed by a local authority.

The Guardian

Finance All clubs should be licensed by the FA.

Independent

The craftsmen and the shop were licensed by the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We're all licensed by the state to carry.

The New York Times

The policy does not affect books already licensed by libraries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "licensed by", ensure you clearly state the licensing authority to provide context and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "licensed by" without specifying who granted the license. For example, instead of saying "This product is licensed", specify "This product is licensed by the State Department".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "licensed by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject has received authorization or permission from a specific entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "licensed by" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that an entity has received official authorization or certification from a specific authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the licensing authority. Alternative phrases such as "authorized by" or "certified by" can be used to express similar meanings. Remember to adapt your spelling to suit your audience (licensed vs. licenced).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorized by

Focuses more directly on the act of granting permission or authority.

certified by

Emphasizes that something has met specific standards and received official certification.

accredited by

Highlights formal recognition by an accrediting body, often in education or professional fields.

approved by

Indicates endorsement or agreement by a governing body or authority.

permitted by

Stresses that an action or activity is allowed under specific rules or regulations.

endorsed by

Implies support or recommendation from a recognized authority or organization.

sanctioned by

Suggests official approval or authorization, often with legal or regulatory implications.

validated by

Focuses on the confirmation or verification of something's accuracy or legitimacy.

chartered by

Specifies that an organization or entity has been officially established by a charter.

franchised by

Used when a business has been granted a franchise license by a parent company.

FAQs

What does "licensed by" mean?

The phrase "licensed by" means that an entity, product, or service has been officially authorized or certified by a specific authority to operate or be sold. The authority can be a government agency, organization, or company.

How to use "licensed by" in a sentence?

You can use "licensed by" in a sentence to indicate that something has been authorized by a particular entity. For example: "This restaurant is licensed by the local health department".

What can I say instead of "licensed by"?

You can use alternatives like "authorized by", "certified by", or "approved by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "licensed by" or "licenced by"?

"Licensed by" is the correct spelling in American English. "Licenced by" is the correct spelling in British English. Always ensure you're using the spelling conventions appropriate for your audience.