Clause Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kloʊz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A group of words that express a complete thought or idea, either independently or as part of a larger sentence, typically consisting of a subject and predicate.

Examples

• The new policy is a major clause in the company’s strategy.
• The sentence contains several clauses, including a main clause and a subordinate clause.

Synonyms

• Phrase
• Sentence fragment

Antonyms

• Sentence
• Phrase

Etymology

The word “clause” comes from the Old French word “claus”, meaning “a shutting” or “a closing”, and is derived from the Latin word “clausus”, meaning “closed” or “locked”.

Additinal Information

A clause can be a main clause, also known as an independent clause, or a subordinate clause, also known as a dependent clause. Main clauses express a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence, while subordinate clauses rely on a main clause to complete their meaning. Clauses are a fundamental unit of language and are used to convey complex ideas and relationships between ideas.

In addition to its grammatical function, the word “clause” is also used in law and contracts to refer to a specific provision or agreement within a larger document.

Usage Notes

In general, clauses are used to connect ideas and express relationships between them. When using clauses, it is important to consider their grammatical function and how they relate to surrounding sentences.

Cultural References

The term “clause” has appeared in several cultural references, including literature and music. For example, the phrase “The Clause” is a song by the band Coldplay.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “At a clause’s word” – meaning to be very precise or exact
• “In a clause” – meaning to be within a specific provision or agreement

Collocations

• Independent clause
• Subordinate clause
• Main clause
• Subordinate clause
• Adverb clause

Frequency of Use

The word “clause” is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including grammar, law, and everyday language. It is considered a relatively common word in the English language.

Common Misspellings

• Claws
• Clause