private licence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "private licence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a license that is not intended for public use or is restricted to a specific individual or group. Example: "To operate the drone commercially, you must obtain a private licence from the aviation authority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The alternation of public rectitude and private licence seems straight out of a tale by Hawthorne, a Dimmesdale figure in an allegory about sin.

The Guardian - Books

"You need 45 hours of training plus seven written exams and practical skills tests to get a private licence, then you have to build up more hours by self-flying," he says.

The Guardian - Money

After a pupil has taken his flying instructions and has satisfied the inspector of the field and has passed the examination, he is given a private licence from the Department of Commerce, which means he may take his friends flying but is not allowed to take anyone for hire, or fly across the state border.

The New Yorker

The central point of the Iceland case is that of a law which gives a private licence to the total heritage of medical and genetic data of the entire Icelandic people, past (from when the data first became available), present and future.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Anyone with a private hire licence – a £250 permit given out by Transport for London – a relatively new saloon car and insurance, could apply to drive.

The Guardian - Tech

With a Class 1 medical certificate and a private pilot licence with 170 hours of flight time under your belt, you can then obtain a commercial pilot licence, which typically costs more than £100,000 and takes two years.

The Guardian - Money

It's my weekly.'" Mirza applied for his private hire licence the same day, and joined Uber in October last year.

The Guardian - Tech

However, it said, this did not exempt drivers from having their own insurance policy which was required by law and the terms of their private hire licence.

The Guardian - Tech

He already had a private hire licence, as a back-up plan, and became a minicab driver, somewhat reluctantly, that summer.

The Guardian - Tech

Kiani was granted a private hire licence by the council's regulatory committee in 2011.

BBC

Failing to do so could mean the withdrawal of the private preschool licence as stated in the Education Act 1996.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always clarify the issuing authority or organization responsible for granting the "private licence" to provide credibility and establish accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "private licence" interchangeably with permits intended for public use. A "private licence" specifically denotes restrictions or non-public access, so ensure your wording accurately reflects this distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private licence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of permission or authorization that is not publicly accessible or generally available. Ludwig's examples illustrate it as a qualifier for various licences, such as a pilot's licence or a hire vehicle licence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "private licence" is a noun phrase used to describe a restricted or non-public authorization. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is relatively rare. Its usage spans across news, scientific, and general contexts, maintaining a generally neutral to professional tone. When using "private licence", ensure you clarify the activity or privilege it pertains to and the issuing authority. Ludwig also provides useful alternatives such as "personal permit" and "exclusive authorization" for varied contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal permit

Replaces "licence" with a more general term, slightly altering the formal tone.

non-public permit

Uses simpler language to describe the non-public nature of the permit.

restricted permission

Highlights the limitations associated with the licence.

limited authorization

Emphasizes the restricted nature of the permission.

private certification

Highlights the formal approval process but keeps it within a private scope.

exclusive authorization

Emphasizes the exclusivity aspect of the permission granted.

confidential authorization

Indicates that the authorization is not publicly available.

individual certification

Focuses on the certification aspect, implying a qualification.

special concession

Suggests a privilege granted that is not generally available.

proprietary entitlement

Stresses the ownership aspect of the licence, making it more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "private licence" in a sentence?

You can use "private licence" to describe permissions not available to the general public. For example: "To operate this equipment, you need a "special licence"." or "He obtained a "private pilot licence" to fly his own aircraft".

What's the difference between a "private licence" and a public one?

A "private licence" restricts use to specific individuals or contexts, whereas a public license grants permission to anyone who meets the specified criteria. A "private licence" is not for general use.

What can I say instead of "private licence"?

You might use alternatives like "personal permit", "restricted permission", or "exclusive authorization" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which activities typically require a "private licence"?

Activities requiring a "private licence" often include private hire services, aviation, or specific types of resource management. The precise activities vary by jurisdiction and regulations.