obtained a license

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtained a license" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of acquiring official permission or certification to do something, such as driving, practicing a profession, or operating a business. Example: "After completing the required training, she obtained a license to practice as a nurse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By 10am, a second couple had obtained a license.

The Guardian

While in Michigan, he obtained a license to haul trucks with hazardous material.

The New York Times

Records show a Hani Hanjour obtained a license in 1999 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The New York Times

A chauffeur named Ramfali said he had obtained a license even though he cannot read.

The New York Times

He obtained a license to carry a concealed weapon and, over the years, fulfilled various assignments for the company.

The New Yorker

Medford has no bars, and the hottest restaurant just obtained a license to sell beer and wine.

The New York Times

Acer recently obtained a license to run a test of an Internet-access service in mainland China.

The New York Times

In 1992, after years of struggle, she finally obtained a license to practice law and began to do so.

Britannica

After examination by the Columbia County Medical Society he obtained a license to practice medicine and surgery in 1815.

Columbia University

At the same time, he obtained a license to practice law in Mexico and helped a client establish one of the first maquiladoras — American-owned factories — there.

The New Yorker

His company had obtained a license to produce paclitaxelbetter known by its brand name, Taxolan anticancer drug derived from the Pacific yew tree.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obtained a license", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific activity or profession the license pertains to. Be specific for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "obtained a license" without specifying what the license is for. For example, instead of saying "He obtained a license", specify "He obtained a license to practice medicine" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained a license" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful acquisition of official permission or certification to perform a specific activity. It describes an action that has been completed. Ludwig AI shows this in various contexts, from obtaining a marriage license to a license to practice law.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtained a license" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone has successfully acquired official permission or certification for a specific activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, academic, and general contexts. When using this phrase, be specific about the type of license obtained to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "secured a permit" or "gained authorization" exist, "obtained a license" remains a direct and widely understood expression. Remember to provide context to ensure clarity and avoid vague descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gained authorization

Emphasizes the act of gaining official approval or permission.

secured a permit

Replaces 'license' with 'permit', implying a potentially less formal or comprehensive authorization.

acquired certification

Uses 'certification' instead of 'license', suggesting a focus on demonstrating competence or meeting standards.

received accreditation

Implies a formal recognition of competence or adherence to standards.

procured endorsement

Focuses on obtaining support or approval from an authority or organization.

underwent licensing

Shifts the focus to the process of becoming licensed rather than the result.

passed licensure requirements

Highlights meeting specific criteria for obtaining a license.

earned entitlement

Suggests a right or privilege gained through meeting certain conditions.

fulfilled requirements for licensure

Focuses on the completion of the requirements needed to receive a license.

was granted accreditation

Highlights the act of being officially recognized or authorized by an accrediting body.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "obtained a license"?

To say someone "obtained a license" means they have successfully met the requirements and received official permission to engage in a specific activity or profession that requires it. This can range from driving to practicing law.

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

You can use alternatives like "secured a permit", "gained authorization", or "acquired certification" depending on the specific context.

How is "obtained a license" different from "applied for a license"?

"Obtained a license" indicates successful completion of the licensing process, while "applied for a license" simply means that someone has started the process but the outcome is not yet known.

What kind of activities require someone to have "obtained a license"?

Many activities require a license, including driving, practicing medicine, selling alcohol, carrying a concealed weapon, and operating certain types of businesses. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction.