- Have you ever wondered whether you should say “get a license” or “obtain a license”?
- Do you know the difference between a “revoked license” and a “suspended license”?
- Are you unsure if you should use “license” as a noun or a verb in a professional email?
Mastering license collocations is a vital step toward sounding like a native English speaker. Using the right word combinations—what linguists call collocations—ensures your English is not only grammatically correct but also professionally polished and natural. In this guide, we will break down the most common ways to use “license” in modern, everyday English.
Essential Collocations using LICENSE as a Noun
As a noun, a license is an official document or permission to do, own, or use something. It is most commonly used in legal, professional, and daily administrative contexts.
Verbs used with License (Action Collocations)
- Apply for a license: To make a formal request. (Example: “I need to apply for a marriage license next week.”)
- Grant a license: When an authority gives someone permission. (Example: “The city council granted a business license to the new restaurant.”)
- Renew a license: To extend the validity of a license that is about to expire. (Example: “Don’t forget to renew your driver’s license before your birthday.”)
- Revoke a license: When an authority takes a license away permanently due to a violation. (Example: “The doctor had his medical license revoked for malpractice.”)
- Suspend a license: To take away a license temporarily. (Example: “His license was suspended for three months after the speeding ticket.”)
- Carry a license: To have the physical document with you. (Example: “You must carry a valid license while operating a vehicle.”)
Adjectives used with License (Descriptive Collocations)
- Valid license: A license that is currently legal and in use. (Example: “Please show a valid license at the check-in desk.”)
- Expired license: A license that is no longer legal to use. (Example: “You cannot drive with an expired license.”)
- Driver’s license (US) / Driving licence (UK): The most common type of license. (Example: “She finally passed her test and got her driver’s license.”)
- Provisional license: A temporary license given to learners. (Example: “He is practicing on a provisional license.”)
- Occupational/Professional license: Needed for specific jobs like nursing or law. (Example: “She worked hard to earn her professional license in accounting.”)
Common Collocations with LICENSE as a Verb
When used as a verb, “to license” means to give someone official permission to do or sell something. Note that in British English, the verb is spelled “license” while the noun is “licence.” In American English, “license” is used for both.
Business and Legal Contexts
- License technology: To allow another company to use your tech. (Example: “Our startup decided to license the software to a larger corporation.”)
- License a product: To give permission for a product to be sold. (Example: “The character was licensed for use on lunchboxes and t-shirts.”)
- Fully licensed: Having all necessary legal permissions. (Example: “This facility is fully licensed and insured.”)
- Licensed to practice: Often used for lawyers or doctors. (Example: “Is she licensed to practice law in this state?”)
The Master Summary Table
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for a license | Verb + Noun | To request a permit formally. |
| Renew a license | Verb + Noun | To make a license valid again. |
| Valid license | Adjective + Noun | A license that is legal and active. |
| Revoke a license | Verb + Noun | To cancel a license permanently. |
| License software | Verb + Noun | To give permission to use a program. |
| Licensed professional | Adjective + Noun | Someone with official job permission. |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| Make a license | Apply for/Obtain a license |
| The license is dead | The license has expired |
| Drive license | Driver’s license (or Driving license) |
| Take off a license | Revoke/Suspend a license |
Contextual Story
“When Sarah decided to open her own clinic, the first thing she had to do was apply for a business license. As a licensed professional with years of experience, she knew that she couldn’t afford to have her medical license revoked or even suspended due to paperwork errors. She made sure all her staff held a valid license to practice, and she eventually decided to license her unique therapy method to other clinics across the country.”
Frequently Asked Questions about License Collocations
Is it “license” or “licence”?
In American English, “license” is used for both the noun and the verb. In British English, “licence” is the noun (the paper) and “license” is the verb (the action).
What is the difference between a license and a permit?
A license is usually permanent or long-term (like a driver’s license), while a permit is often for a specific, short-term event (like a parking permit or a construction permit).
Which preposition follows “license”?
We usually use “license to” for actions (license to drive) and “license for” for objects (license for a gun/liquor).
Can I say “get a license”?
Yes, “get a license” is very common in casual conversation. However, in professional writing or exams, “obtain a license” or “be issued a license” sounds more formal and accurate.
What does “poetic license” mean?
This is a common idiom. It means the freedom to change facts or grammar rules for the sake of art or storytelling. It has nothing to do with official documents!
This is very helpful for my upcoming IELTS exam. I will try to use 'obtain' and 'grant' to sound more academic!
In Ireland, we often say 'driver's licence' instead of 'driving license.' Are both acceptable in international business?
Both are widely understood, Liam! 'Driver's license' is the most common form in North America, while 'driving licence' is standard in the UK and Ireland. Both are perfectly acceptable in a global business context.
The article mentions 'revoked license.' If that happens, can I ever get it back, or is it gone forever in English terminology?
In legal English, 'revoked' usually means the license is completely cancelled. To get it back, you usually have to re-apply from the beginning. 'Suspended' means it is taken away only for a specific period of time.
Could you clarify the verb 'issue'? Does the government 'issue' the license to me?
If my license is no longer good because the date passed, do I say it is 'dead' or 'finished'?
Neither! The correct collocation is 'expired.' You would say, 'My license has expired' or 'I have an expired license.' It sounds much more natural to native speakers.
Is it 'license plate' or 'number plate'? I keep hearing both in movies.
It depends on where the movie is set, Hans! 'License plate' is the standard term in the United States, while 'number plate' is the term used in the UK and many other Commonwealth countries.
I love the example of the marriage license! It shows that licenses aren't just for cars or businesses. Are there any other 'romantic' collocations for license?
In Spanish, we say 'sacar la licencia.' Does 'apply for a license' cover the whole process of testing and paperwork?
Exactly, Carlos! 'Apply for' starts the process. To describe the whole journey of getting it, you can say 'I'm working toward getting my license' or 'I'm in the process of obtaining my license.'
I heard someone say they had a 'provisional license' in a movie. Is that the same as a regular license?
Great spot, Mei! A 'provisional license' is a temporary one, often given to people who are still learning to drive or waiting for their full license to be processed. It has more restrictions than a 'full' license.
Is there a difference in tone between 'obtain a license' and 'get a license'? 'Obtain' sounds much more difficult to me.