Cool MateLicense vs Permission
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
License
Permission
| License | Permission | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈlaɪsns/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪz/","/ˈlaɪsnst/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈlaɪsns/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪz/","/ˈlaɪsnst/","/ˈlaɪsnsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈmɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pərˈmɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A permit that allows you to do something, like drive or practice a profession. | Being allowed to do something |
| Example | The new drug has not yet been licensed in the US. | I need permission from my parents to go out tonight. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | driver's license, business license, fishing license, license plate, teaching license | full, special, explicit, have, gain, get, with somebody’s permission, without somebody’s permission, permission for, by permission of somebody, full, special, explicit, have, gain, get, with somebody’s permission, without somebody’s permission, permission for, by permission of somebody |
| Antonyms | prohibition, ban, forbiddance | prohibition, denial |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'licence' (the British spelling)., Used as a verb instead of a noun, e.g., 'I need to license my car.' (should be 'I need a license for my car.'), Mixing up 'license' and 'permit' in specific contexts. | Using 'permission' instead of 'permit' as a verb, Saying 'give permission to' instead of 'grant permission to', Confusing 'permission' with 'permission slip' which is a specific document |
| Usage notes | Use 'license' when referring to official permissions, especially legal or professional. It's not appropriate in casual conversations about everyday activities. | Use 'permission' when talking about getting approval for an action. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in slang settings. |
Frequently asked questions: License vs Permission
What's the difference between License and Permission?
License: A permit that allows you to do something, like drive or practice a profession. Permission: Being allowed to do something
Which is more common: License and Permission?
License is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: License and Permission?
License is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are License and Permission the same CEFR level?
License: C1, Permission: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are License and Permission?
License: verb, Permission: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
License: The new drug has not yet been licensed in the US. Permission: I need permission from my parents to go out tonight.
Can I use License and Permission interchangeably?
Not always. License and Permission are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.