Word
clause
US/ˈkɫɔz/
UK/klˈɔːz/
Definitions
01grammar
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. a group of words that includes a subject and a verb. It can be a whole sentence or just a part of one.
n. a syntactic unit consisting of a subject and a predicate. It may function as a complete sentence (independent) or as a constituent within a larger sentence (subordinate).
日本語:節※
“In the sentence 'I went home because it was late', there are two clauses.”
“The student struggled to identify the relative clause within the complex sentence, confusing the modifier with the main predicate.”
Pitfall
The sentence has two clauses, but they are not related each other.
The sentence has two clauses, but they are not related to each other.
When using 'related' to show a connection between clauses, you must include the preposition 'to'.
02legal section
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. a specific part or paragraph of a legal document, such as a contract or a will.
n. a distinct provision or article in a formal legal document, contract, or legislative bill.
日本語:条項※
Español:cláusula
“You should read the cancellation clause before you sign the gym contract.”
“The legal team insisted on inserting a confidentiality clause to protect the proprietary data shared during the merger negotiations.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “clause” in context.
Verb
01. clause states
“The first clause states the names of the people involved in the agreement.”
noun + verb
02. clause stipulates
“The final clause stipulates that the tenant is responsible for all repairs.”
noun + verb
03. delete clause
“Both parties agreed to delete the clause that restricted weekend working hours.”
verb + noun
04. draft clause
“We need to draft a new clause to cover potential environmental damages.”
verb + noun
05. insert clause
“The lawyer decided to insert a clause regarding late payment penalties.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. arbitration clause
“The contract includes an arbitration clause to settle disputes outside of court.”
adj + noun
07. contractual clause
“The legal team is reviewing every contractual clause before we sign the agreement.”
adj + noun
08. main clause
“A complex sentence consists of a main clause and at least one subordinate clause.”
adj + noun
09. relative clause
“We use a relative clause to give more information about a person or thing.”
adj + noun
10. add a restrictive clause
“The committee decided to add a restrictive clause to the new policy.”
11. contained within the clause
“The specific terms are contained within the third clause of the document.”
12. subject of the clause
“In this sentence, 'the cat' is the subject of the clause.”
Real-World Examples
“The weight clause that was initially included in the Pistons' five-year, $200 million proposal has been removed from discussions.” “Marcus Rashford’s £40million ($53.1m; €47.1m) Manchester United exit clause has expired meaning any sale will now need to be negotiated.” “The clause, which is in the fifth paragraph of the agreement, reads as follows: Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only.” “Sell-on clauses have become a lucrative way for clubs to retain a stake in the futures of their brightest prospects and ensure that, even if they can no longer call upon their services on the pitch, they can at least benefit financially from their continued development.” Etymology
From Middle English clause, claus, borrowed from Old French clause, from Medieval Latin clausa (Latin diminutive clausula (“close, end; a clause, close of a period”)), from Latin clausus, past participle of claudere (“to shut, close”). See close, its doublet.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/clause
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0