Which Spelling Should You Use? License or Licence?

You will find several cases in the English language, where two similar words that pass the same meaning have different usage. There is no doubt that this can be quite confusing. Still, we must understand the rules guiding their usage. So, which spelling should you use? “License” or “licence?”

You use “license” when you are writing in American English, and you want it to use it as a noun and a verb. You also use it when you are writing in British or other English variants, and you want to use it as a verb. You use “licence” when writing in British English, and you want to use it as a noun.

While this helps, we have got so much more to share. After all, the beauty of things lies in detail. In this article, we will dive into the details and explore the rules guiding the use of both words.

When to and How to Use “License” in a Sentence?

The use of the word “license” is quite popular in the English language. This is most likely thanks to the number of actions where a license is a prerequisite before you can perform then. So, this is even more reason why you must understand the proper way to use the word.

But first, it is necessary to place a meaning on the word “license.” There is no doubt that most of us already know what it is, more so as we come across it every day. Regardless of that, here is what the word means.

The word “license” is generally used to describe a document provided by an authority or body to a person granting the person or body the permission to do something. For instance, when you think of the popular driver’s license, you can easily get this. This is a document permitting a person to drive.

Now that we have cleared that up let us dive into using the word in a sentence. Now, when it comes to using the word “license” in a sentence, it depends largely on the language you are using.

Precisely, whether you are writing in American English or other variants of the English language. So, here is what you need to know.

When it comes to American English, the word “license” functions as both a verb and a noun in the sentence. How you use it will depend on the function you want the word to perform in a sentence.

When it comes to a noun, you will use it to convey the meaning highlighted above. That is a document or something that grants permission to someone. So, you use the “word license” in American English as a noun to describe something that permits you or someone to get something done.

Here are some examples that clarify the use of the word as a noun in American English.

1. While this might not sound so important, one of my goals this month is to ensure that I get my driver’s license.
2. The bank lost its license last year due to financial irregularities, following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Board.
3. I am not sure whether it is good news or bad news that two foreign companies plan to get a license to practice here.
4. I think we should be wary of people with fake licenses.

Next, when writing in American English, you can use the word “license” as a verb. Like with every verb, it becomes an action word showing that something was done either by someone. In this case, it conveys the meaning “to permit.”

So, in this instance, it is no longer a document permitting someone to act; rather, it is the act of permitting or authorizing someone to carry out a particular action. For instance, license a pilot. So, you can better understand, here are some examples that put the word to use as a verb.

1. There is no way I will license him to drive; he is not only a poor driver; he has no plan to improve.
2. The council licensed him to practice law in three jurisdictions.
3. The activism of the past once saw some countries license their citizens to hold a gun for self-defense.
4. There is no doubt that the medical board will license him tomorrow; he has been exemplary in all his activities.

Since we have clarified the use of the word under American English, we will move to the use of the word under British English. Also, keep in mind that the rules in this sense extend to other variants of the English language, such as Australian and Canadian English.

When it comes to other English language variants apart from American English, the word “license” gets used as only a verb. That is, it gets used to convey the action of permitting someone to do something. This is the same as our discussion on using the word “license” as a verb under American English.

So, remember that the use of the word “license” under British, Australian, and Canadian English is limited to its use as a verb. It does not function as a noun, as we had explained earlier in the case of American English. Here are more examples of the use of the word “license” as a verb.

1. I do not doubt that my training will convince the board to license me on my first try.
2. While I hope that the council will license me, I hope to get it on merit rather than through favoritism.
3. We should license him, seeing that he has topped the pool across all categories.
4. The academy will soon license its top students as professional chefs.

When to and How to Use “Licence” in a Sentence?

Now that we have clarified using the word “license” in a sentence, the next on the list is the word “licence.” You need to understand when to and how to use the word in a sentence.

As always, you would need to understand the meaning of the word. Is there any difference between the word “license,” or do they convey the same meaning?

Well, the word “license” and “licence” both convey the same meaning. Precisely, they both refer to an item that permits or authorizes someone to carry out an act. Typically, it is related to formal authorization and cuts across a wide range of issues. For instance, a “licence” to drive cars, a “licence” to fly planes, a “licence” to be a doctor or a “licence” to be a lawyer.

Now, when it comes to how to use the word, there are two things you will need to pay attention to. The first one is the choice of English language that you use, and the second is the nature of the word and the function you intend for it to perform in a sentence.

When it comes to the first thing under consideration, that is the language of your choice, here is what you need to know. The use of the word “licence” is not acceptable under American English. In turn, you are only allowed to use the word if you are writing in other English language variants. That is if you are writing in British, Australian, or Canadian English.

Now, when it comes to the second consideration, that is the nature of the word, it is a noun and functions as such in a sentence. In turn, its use is limited to meaning an item that authorizes or permits someone to do something.

So, when using the word “licence,” you should only use it in British, Australian, and Canadian English and as a noun. If you want to convey the meaning “to permit,” in British, Australian, and Canadian English, then, as we discussed below, your choice of a word will be “license.” There is no place for the use of “licence” as a verb.

Now, here are some examples of the use of the word “licence” in a sentence. Of course, as a noun.

1. I intend to get my licence before the year runs out.
2. One of the best moments of my life was when I received my licence to practice law.
3. We should see his licence tomorrow when he comes visiting.
4. Give me a break; I already got my licence today.

Understanding the Difference Between Both Words

So far, we have clarified the use of both words. Now, you have all the relevant rules in your arsenal to navigate through the use of both words. However, the most important thing is not just reading the rules but remembering them.

So, how do you differentiate between the words and maintain proper usage?

If you want to convey the meaning “to permit” or make the word function as a verb, use the word “license.” This is because it is accepted in both variants of English. On the other hand, if you want to use it as a noun, choose ‘license” for American English and “licence” for British and other variants of English.

Final Thoughts

The English language is filled with so many confusing words that it is easy to lose count. It is even easier to muddle up the usage of “license” and “licence” since they have the same meaning. Well, you do not need to worry about this anymore.

We have clarified it all in this article. So, read up and enjoy!