Clause
/klɔːz/
Definitions
A grammatical unit that contains a subject and a predicate, forming part of a compound or complex sentence.
/klɔːz/
A group of words containing a subject and predicate.
The clause 'because it was raining' is a dependent clause.
💡 Simply: Imagine a sentence as a house. A clause is like a room in that house—it has its own subject (who or what the sentence is about) and predicate (what the subject is doing).
👶 For kids: It's a part of a sentence that has someone doing something.
More Examples
The contract includes a clause protecting the buyer.
How It's Used
"The main clause of the sentence is independent and expresses a complete thought."
"The contract contained a clause limiting liability."
Idioms & expressions
get a clause in
To include a specific provision in a contract or agreement.
"We managed to get a clause in the contract protecting our intellectual property."
From Old French *clausule, from Latin clausula "a closing, a sentence, a period", diminutive of clausa "a closed thing", feminine past participle of claudere "to close".
The word's usage in legal contexts has a long history, reflecting its origins in the structuring of legal documents.
Memory tip
Think of 'close' - a clause 'closes' a thought within a larger sentence.
Word Origin
"to close"