Note 26 – Is it licence or license?

For the background to my writing challenge, please read my first blog by clicking the following link – http://wp.me/p1x6Ui-4.  If you would prefer to dive straight into note 26, then please read on…

When to use licence and license

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook by Martin Manser & Stephen Curtis (Penguin Reference Library), explains quite simply that in British English, licence is the noun and license is the verb.  In American English the spelling is license in all circumstances. 

British English

1. Licence (noun)

I have had a driving licence for 25 years

The corner shop has a licence to sell alcohol

2. License (verb – to license)

Is Maisy licensed to sell ice cream from her van?

For more information on vehicle licensing go to…

American English

1. License (for everything)

The corner shop has a license to sell alcohol     [different from British English]

Is Maisy licensed to sell ice cream from her van?    [the same as British English]

My thoughts: This is another one like ‘note 23 practice and practise’, where it is learnable.  Just remember that the words practice and licence are the way that the noun in spelt in British English.

Hope you’ve enjoyed today’s blog.   

Until tomorrow…

Sandra

This blog: www.mywritingnotes.wordpress.com

My other blog: www.sandramadeira.wordpress.com

My website: www.tipsandluxuries.com

Twitter: @madeirasandra  and  @tipsandluxuries

Reference list

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook by Martin Mander & Stephen Curtis (Penguin Reference Library)