Confused Words: Licence and License

Introduction:

English often poses challenges with its subtle variations. One such area of confusion arises with the words “licence and license.” While these terms seem similar, their meanings and spellings differ depending on the variant of English being used. Understanding the distinctions between them can help prevent errors in both writing and conversation.

Let’s now discuss the difference between these words in a little more detail!

What is the Difference Between Licence and License?

The words licence and license are confusing because their usage varies depending on the variant of English being used.

In British English

In British English licence is a noun. It refers to an official document that gives you permission to do, use, or own something.

Examples:

• I need to renew my driving licence before it expires next month.
• The restaurant was shut down because they didn’t have a valid food hygiene licence.
• He applied for a fishing licence so he could legally fish in the river.
• Before you can work as a security guard, you need to obtain a security licence.
• She proudly displayed her pilot’s licence on the wall of her office.

In British English license is used as a verb meaning to grant a licence.

Examples:

• Restaurants must be licensed to sell alcohol.
• They are licensed to carry firearms.
• The city council will license the new taxi company to operate within the city limits.
• The government agency licenses companies to produce and distribute pharmaceuticals.
• Before the event, the venue must be licensed to serve alcohol to guests.

In American English

In American English license is used as both a noun and a verb.

Here are examples of “license” used as a noun and as a verb in American English:

License As a noun:

1. He applied for a contractor’s license so he could start his own construction business.
2. Make sure to carry your driver’s license with you whenever you’re driving.

License As a verb:

1. The state will license the new pharmacy once it meets all the regulatory requirements.
2. In order to operate legally, the business must be licensed by the local authorities.

Idoms and Common Expressions Used with License and Licence

Here are some idiomatic expressions with “licence” or “license”:

1. License to Print Money: Referring to a profitable or lucrative opportunity.
   • “Investing in real estate seems like a license to print money these days.”
2. On License: Temporarily permitted or allowed.
   • “He’s driving on license until his suspension is lifted.”
3. License to Kill: Figuratively referring to an extreme or excessive power or authority.
   • “Some critics argue that giving the government unlimited surveillance powers is like giving them a license to kill privacy.”
4. To Have a License to (Do Something): Having permission or justification to do something.
   • “He acts like he has a license to criticize everyone.”
5. To License Out: To grant permission for another party to use or exploit something.
   • “The company decided to license out their patented technology to other manufacturers.”
6. To License Up: To obtain all necessary permissions or approvals.
   • “We need to license up before we can start production.”
7. To License to (Do Something): To give official permission to do something.
   • “The city council licensed the company to sell alcohol.”
8. Artistic/Poetic Licence: Referring to the freedom or liberty taken by artists, writers, or creators to deviate from factual accuracy or conventional rules in order to achieve a desired artistic effect.
   • “In her novel, the author took artistic licence with historical events to create a more compelling narrative.”
   • “His interpretation of the character in the play was bold, using poetic licence to bring a new depth to the role.”
9. Under Licence: Operating under the permission or authority of someone or something.
   • “The local restaurant operates under licence from the franchise headquarters.”
   • “This software is distributed under licence from the original developer.”

See more here: Idioms with license

Summary

Examples	British English	American English
He needs to renew his driving licence.	✓	✗
They must be licensed to serve alcohol to guests.	✓	✓
Make sure to carry your driver’s license.	✗	✓
He applied for his hunting license last week.	✗	✓
He got his driver’s license when he turned 16.	✗	✓
They are licensed to carry firearms.	✓	✓
He applied for a contractor’s license	✗	✓

Conclusion

The usage of Licence and license follow different conventions depending on whether you use British or American English. License is used in American English as a noun and as a verb. In British English, license is used as a verb and licence as a noun.

Related Pages:

• A list of confused words
• Vocabulary Lessons