For Interest

[Simon B]

I am visiting Plymouth in Devon[UK] and was rather delighted to see this......


and this.....

 

[Tia Valeria]

We took similar photos some years ago when we were in Plymouth waiting for our ferry to Santander and then walking the Camino. The shell is huge and unmissable on the wall by the Barbican and overlooking the harbour. Happy memories!

 

[Bert45]

What a shame they spelled 'licensed' wrong.

 

[Camo]

What a shame they spelled 'licensed' wrong.

The way they SPELT it might depend on how OLD the plate is (and what country you are from)

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

What a shame they spelled 'licensed' wrong.

The Oxford Dictionary states: "Usage—Note that in British English licence is the correct spelling for the noun and is also an acceptable variant spelling of the verb. In US English, both noun and verb are spelled license"
and " when it comes to adjectives, licenced may be used."

 

[Bert45]

The way they SPELT it might depend on how OLD the plate is (and what country you are from)

"The verb spell has two correct past tense forms. The past tense spelled is preferred in American English, while either spelled or spelt is acceptable in British English." [thesaurus.com and many other websites]
"The earliest known use of the verb license is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).
OED's earliest evidence for license is from 1398, in a translation by John Trevisa, translator." [oed.com]
That predates the manufacture of the plate, I should think. And Plymouth (Devon) is in England.

 

[Bert45]

The Oxford Dictionary states: "Usage—Note that in British English licence is the correct spelling for the noun and is also an acceptable variant spelling of the verb. In US English, both noun and verb are spelled license"
and " when it comes to adjectives, licenced may be used."

Just because something is acceptable doesn't make it right.

 

[Tia Valeria]

This shell and plaque, as you say @Bert45 , is in Plymouth UK so for this type of 'licence' the spelling is correct as on a UK driving licence! I just double checked mine

 

[Bert45]

This shell and plaque, as you say @Bert45 , is in Plymouth UK so for this type of 'licence' the spelling is correct as on a UK driving licence! I just double checked mine

No, Tia, a driving licence is a noun which licenses (a verb) you to drive.

 

[Kathar1na]

I feel like ordering this badge. The online blurb describes it as a stylish accessory that exudes a fun vibe with its limited edition design. Might it help? I am not a native speaker of English but I am aware of spelling conventions like the advice / advised, a practice / practised or offence / offense. Is it worth pointing it out in this context, let alone making a prolonged fuss about it?

There is more to this inscription in Plymouth than the letter "c" in a single word. Whether licenced or licensed, Plymouth was apparently one of only two ports where English pilgrims could start their journey across the sea to Saint James in Galicia. How come? When was this? What's the other port in England? Wouldn't this be more interesting to explore and to know?

Or look at all the letters that form this sentence: The pilgrims often wore a sign indicating their destination. Those going to Santiago de Compostela wore a scallop shell. No, they didn't. They do now but they didn't when Plymouth was only one of two licenced / licensed ports for Santiago pilgrims. In those days, these pilgrims wore a scallop shell - or a kind of pin in the form of a scallop shell - as a sign indicating where they had been to and not where they are planning to go to. But it is true that the shell later became a general symbol for pilgrimage in Europe and nowadays it's just fine to carry a scallop shell to Santiago.

Thanks for sharing the photos, @Simon B.

 

[SabsP]

No, Tia, a driving licence is a noun which licenses (a verb) you to drive.

FWIW as a non native English speaker I could not care less. Lots of native English speakers either I guess .
This is rather a luxur issue.

I am very grateful that most people here are so friendly when we " foreigners " make mistakes with ( in ? ) grammar and spelling.