received a license

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Halik also studied and received a license in psychotherapy.

Britannica

He called it the Liberator, and received a license to make and sell the weapon.

The New York Times

He and others had received a license from the parks department to prune the trees themselves.

The New York Times

The American Family Radio station applied for and received a license for a full-power station.

The New York Times

He later received a license from the California State Athletic commission.

The New York Times - Books

After Mr. Yeltsin had won a second term, NTV received a license for daytime broadcasting.

The New York Times

In May, it received a license to build Singapore's first gambling resort.

The New York Times

In 1791 he received a license to practice medicine from the Collegiate Medical Court of Modena.

Britannica

In May he received a license to preach together with 25 other Nonconformist ministers in Bedfordshire and the surrounding counties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Trump and his Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts Inc. received a license in 1996 and now operate the casino.

The New York Times

Manhattan Cruises is the only company to have received a license by the city to operate a gambling ship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs like "obtained", "acquired", or "secured" instead of "received" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "received a license" automatically implies competence or ethical behavior. A license grants permission to operate but does not guarantee quality or integrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received a license" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, indicating the action of obtaining official permission or authorization. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "received a license" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that communicates the act of obtaining official authorization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, considering alternatives like "obtained" or "granted" can enhance the precision of your writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies the type of license and its purpose, as highlighted in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was licensed

Shortened passive form indicating the state of being licensed.

obtained a permit

Uses "permit" instead of "license", implying a slightly different type of authorization but with a similar meaning.

was granted a license

Changes the verb to "was granted", focusing on the act of granting the license rather than receiving it.

was issued a license

Focuses on the action of issuing the license by an authority.

secured accreditation

Replaces "license" with "accreditation", indicating a formal recognition of competence or authority.

acquired authorization

Uses "acquired" and "authorization" to convey the idea of obtaining official permission.

earned certification

Employs "earned" and "certification", suggesting that the license was obtained through demonstrated competence.

passed the licensing exam

Highlights the successful completion of an exam required for licensure.

fulfilled the requirements for licensure

Emphasizes meeting all necessary conditions to be licensed.

met the criteria for licensing

Indicates that the specific criteria to be licensed was satisfied.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "received a license" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "was granted a license" or "obtained a license". These options often suit professional or academic contexts better.

What's the difference between "received a license" and "obtained a permit"?

While both terms imply authorization, "received a license" generally refers to professional or operational permissions, whereas "obtained a permit" often relates to specific activities or construction projects.

Is it correct to say "received for a license"?

No, the correct phrasing is "received a license". The preposition "for" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What are some common examples of when someone might "received a license"?

People commonly "received a license" to practice medicine, drive a vehicle, sell alcohol, or operate a business. The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction.