Are you confused about the difference between “licenced” and “licensed”? It’s a common mistake, but understanding the distinction is important for clear communication. The proper word depends on where you are located, but both have similar meanings.
In British English, “licenced” is the correct spelling for the past tense and past participle of “license.” “Licensed” is the correct spelling in American English. Both words refer to the act of granting permission or authority to do something.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “licenced” means “having a licence” or “having been granted a licence.” On the other hand, “licensed” means “having a licence” or “having been granted a licence,” but can also mean “officially permitted or authorized.”
Now that you know the difference, you can avoid confusion and use the proper word in your writing. In this article, we will explore the history and usage of both words, as well as provide examples of proper usage in different contexts.
Define Licenced
Licenced is the past tense of the verb “licence”, which means to grant permission or a legal right to do something. When something is licenced, it means that it has been authorized or permitted by a governing body or authority to carry out a specific activity or function.
For example, a doctor who has completed the necessary education and training will be licenced by the medical board to practice medicine. Similarly, a business may be licenced by the government to operate in a specific industry.
Define Licensed
Licensed is an adjective that describes something that has been granted a license or has obtained a license. A license is a legal document that grants permission to do something that would otherwise be illegal or unauthorized.
For example, a driver who has passed their driving test and obtained a driver’s license is considered licensed to drive. Similarly, a business that has obtained a license to operate in a specific industry is considered licensed to do so.
| Licenced | Licensed |
|---|---|
| Verb form of the word | Adjective form of the word |
| Refers to the act of granting permission or a legal right | Refers to something that has been granted a license or has obtained a license |
| Examples include a doctor who is licenced to practice medicine or a business that is licenced to operate in a specific industry | Examples include a driver who is licensed to drive or a business that is licensed to operate in a specific industry |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using the words “licenced” and “licensed” in a sentence, it’s important to understand the difference in spelling and meaning between the two. Here’s a guide on how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Licenced” In A Sentence
The word “licenced” is a verb that means to grant permission or a legal right to do something. Here are some examples of how to use “licenced” in a sentence:
- She was licenced to practice law in three different states.
- The restaurant was licenced to serve alcohol until 2am.
- The company was licenced to use the patented technology.
As you can see, “licenced” is typically used to describe a person, place, or thing that has been granted legal permission or authority to do something.
How To Use “Licensed” In A Sentence
The word “licensed” is an adjective that describes something that has been approved, authorized, or certified by a governing body. Here are some examples of how to use “licensed” in a sentence:
- The doctor was licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
- The software company released a new licensed version of their popular program.
- The driver of the truck was licensed to operate heavy machinery.
As you can see, “licensed” is typically used to describe a person, place, or thing that has been approved or certified by a governing body.
By understanding the difference between “licenced” and “licensed,” you can use these words correctly in your writing and avoid common errors.
More Examples Of Licenced & Licensed Used In Sentences
Understanding the proper usage of licenced and licensed is important for effective communication. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Licenced In A Sentence
- The company is licenced to operate in all 50 states.
- He became a licenced electrician after completing his apprenticeship.
- The restaurant is licenced to serve alcohol until 2am.
- She is a licenced therapist with over 10 years of experience.
- The pilot must be licenced to fly a commercial airplane.
- The pharmacist checked to make sure the medication was licenced by the FDA.
- The contractor was not licenced to perform plumbing work.
- Only licenced hunters are allowed to hunt in this area.
- The doctor’s office is licenced by the state medical board.
- The software is licenced for use on up to five computers.
Examples Of Using Licensed In A Sentence
- The car was licensed in California.
- He got his driver’s license when he turned 16.
- The company is licensed to sell insurance in this state.
- The bar was licensed to serve beer and wine only.
- The software is licensed for commercial use.
- The contractor is licensed to perform electrical work.
- The doctor is licensed to practice medicine in this state.
- The nurse is licensed to administer medication.
- The musician is licensed to perform cover songs in public.
- The teacher is licensed to teach in both elementary and high school.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to the usage of the words “licenced” and “licensed,” many people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used correctly to avoid confusion or miscommunication.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes people make when using “licenced” and “licensed” interchangeably:
- Using “licenced” as an adjective instead of “licensed.”
- Using “licensed” as a verb instead of “licenced.”
- Using “licenced” when referring to a person instead of “licensed.”
- Using “licensed” when referring to an object or place instead of “licenced.”
These mistakes may seem minor, but they can have a significant impact on the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
Why They Are Incorrect
The reason why these mistakes are incorrect is that “licenced” and “licensed” have different grammatical functions and meanings.
“Licensed” is an adjective that describes something that has been granted a license or permission, such as a licensed driver or a licensed restaurant. On the other hand, “licenced” is a verb that means to grant a license or permission, such as “the government has licenced the new drug.”
Using “licenced” as an adjective or “licensed” as a verb can lead to confusion and ambiguity in your writing. For example, saying “the licenced driver” instead of “the licensed driver” could imply that the driver is the one doing the licensing.
Tips To Avoid Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Remember that “licensed” is an adjective, and “licenced” is a verb.
- When referring to a person, use “licensed” instead of “licenced.”
- When referring to an object or place, use “licenced” instead of “licensed.”
- Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you have used the correct word.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your writing is clear, accurate, and free from common mistakes related to “licenced” and “licensed.”
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “licenced” and “licensed” can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words have the same meaning, but their usage can differ depending on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “licenced” and “licensed” might change:
| Context | Example | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | The licenced doctor | Use “licenced” as an adjective to describe a person or thing that has been granted a license or permission. |
| Verb | The doctor is licensed to practice medicine. | Use “licensed” as a verb to indicate that someone has been granted a license or permission. |
| Noun | The company has a licenced product. | Use “licenced” as a noun to describe a product or service that has been granted a license or permission. |
As you can see, the choice between “licenced” and “licensed” can vary depending on the part of speech and the specific context in which they are used.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using licenced and licensed are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. Below are some explanations and examples of these exceptions:
1. International Variations
It’s worth noting that the spelling of these words can vary between different English-speaking countries. For example, in British English, the preferred spelling is “licensed” for both the verb and adjective forms. However, in American English, “licensed” is the correct spelling for the verb form, while “licenced” is used for the adjective form.
Therefore, if you are writing for an international audience, it’s important to consider which spelling is appropriate for your target readership.
2. Legal Terminology
There are some instances where the legal terminology may use “licenced” instead of “licensed”. For example, in some jurisdictions, the term “licenced premises” is used to refer to establishments that have been granted a license to sell alcohol.
Similarly, in some legal contexts, the term “licenced professional” may be used to refer to someone who has been granted a license to practice a particular profession.
3. Brand Names And Trademarks
Finally, it’s worth noting that some brand names and trademarks may use “licenced” instead of “licensed”. This is often done for stylistic or branding reasons, rather than for any grammatical or legal requirement.
For example, the popular video game series “Assassin’s Creed” features a character named “Ezio Auditore da Firenze”, who is referred to as a “Master Assassin and Licenced Florentine Condottiero”. This use of “licenced” is in keeping with the game’s historical setting and adds to the overall aesthetic of the brand.
| Exception | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| International Variations | Spelling can vary between English-speaking countries | “Licenced” is preferred in British English, while “licensed” is used in American English |
| Legal Terminology | Some legal contexts may use “licenced” instead of “licensed” | “Licenced premises” or “licenced professional” |
| Brand Names and Trademarks | Some brands may use “licenced” for stylistic or branding reasons | “Master Assassin and Licenced Florentine Condottiero” from the “Assassin’s Creed” video game series |
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between “licenced” and “licensed,” it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Each exercise comes with an answer key or explanation, so you can check your work and learn from any mistakes you make.
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:
- The doctor’s office was __________ by the state medical board.
- She had to get __________ to operate her new business.
- He was __________ to carry a concealed weapon.
Answer Key:
- licensed
- licensed
- licensed
Explanation: In each of these sentences, “licensed” is the correct word to use because it refers to having been granted permission or authority by a governing body. The doctor’s office was licensed by the state medical board, meaning it had met certain standards and was allowed to operate. She had to get licensed to operate her new business, meaning she had to obtain the necessary permits and certifications. He was licensed to carry a concealed weapon, meaning he had gone through the proper channels to obtain a permit to do so.
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete each of the following sentences:
- The company was __________ to sell alcohol.
- a) licenced
- b) licensed
- a) licenced
- b) licensed
- a) licenced
- b) licensed
Answer Key:
- licensed
- licence
- licensed
Explanation: The first and third sentences use “licensed” correctly, as they refer to someone or something that has been granted permission or authority by a governing body. The second sentence, however, should use “licence” instead of “licensed,” as it refers to the act of obtaining permission or authority rather than the state of having it. So, the correct sentence would be: “She had to renew her licence to practice law.”
Conclusion
After examining the usage of “licenced” and “licensed”, it’s clear that the correct spelling depends on your location and the context in which the word is being used. In British English, “licenced” is the correct spelling for the verb form, while “licensed” is the correct spelling for the adjective form. In American English, “licensed” is the correct spelling for both the verb and adjective forms.
It’s important to pay attention to spelling and grammar rules in order to effectively communicate in written form. While it may seem like a small detail, using the correct spelling can make a big difference in how your writing is perceived. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and effectively convey your message to your audience.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.