clause
klawz
Clause (noun) means a group of words with its own subject and verb, forming part of a sentence (or occasionally standing as one). Example: “In the sentence "I stayed in because it rained", the second clause gives the reason.”
noun
1
A group of words with its own subject and verb, forming part of a sentence (or occasionally standing as one).
"In the sentence "I stayed in because it rained", the second clause gives the reason."
""Because it was raining" is a clause, but it needs another clause to complete the sentence."
"An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent one cannot."
2
A distinct section of a contract, will, or other legal document, setting out a specific term.
"Please read the cancellation clause carefully before you sign the contract."
"The tenancy agreement had a clause banning pets."
"Lawyers argued for weeks over a single clause in the merger contract."
How to use clause
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn grammar, a subject-plus-verb chunk of a sentence; in law, a single numbered term in a document.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
dependent clause
independent clause
a clause in the contract
escape clause
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like clause.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- clauses
- Third person singular
- clauses
- Past tense
- claused
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the sentence "I stayed in because it rained", the second _____ gives the reason.
Etymology
From Old French clause, ultimately from Latin claudere, "to close" — the same root as "close" and "closet."
Related words
Rhymes for clause
See all rhymes for clause →Frequently asked questions
What does “clause” mean?
The word “clause” means a group of words with its own subject and verb, forming part of a sentence (or occasionally standing as one). In plain terms, in grammar, a subject-plus-verb chunk of a sentence; in law, a single numbered term in a document.
How do you pronounce “clause”?
“Clause” is pronounced klawz (/klɔːz/ in IPA).
How do you use “clause” in a sentence?
Here is “clause” used in a sentence: “"Because it was raining" is a clause, but it needs another clause to complete the sentence.”
What part of speech is “clause”?
“Clause” is a noun.
Where does the word “clause” come from?
The word “clause” comes from Latin. From Old French clause, ultimately from Latin claudere, "to close" — the same root as "close" and "closet.".
Is “clause” a common word?
“Clause” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “clause” have?
“Clause” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of words with its own subject and verb, forming part of a sentence (or occasionally standing as one).
What is the difference between a clause and a phrase?
A clause contains its own subject and verb ("when the rain stopped"), while a phrase is a group of words without that subject-verb pairing ("after the storm"). Every clause can be built into a full sentence; a phrase can only ever be part of one.
What is the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause?
An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence ("She left early"). A dependent clause also has a subject and verb, but it begins with a word like "because," "although," or "which," so it cannot stand alone ("because she was tired").
What is the difference between a clause and a sentence?
A clause is a grammatical unit containing a subject and a verb; a sentence is one or more clauses punctuated as a complete statement. A single independent clause can serve as a whole sentence, while longer sentences join several clauses together.
How is a clause in a contract different from a clause in grammar?
In a contract, will, or statute, a clause is a distinct section that sets out one specific term — a confidentiality clause or a termination clause, for example. The grammar sense and the legal sense share the same core idea: a self-contained part of a larger whole.
