Definition & Meaning of "clause"

Clause

NOUN

(grammar) a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and functions as a unit within a sentence

What is a "clause"?

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb, and it can express a complete thought or part of a thought. There are two main types of clauses: independent and dependent. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, like "She enjoys reading." A dependent clause, on the other hand, cannot stand alone and is usually connected to an independent clause for meaning, such as "because she loves stories." Clauses are important for constructing sentences and can add complexity by combining multiple ideas. They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence, enhancing the richness of language.

Example

In English, a clause must contain at least a subject and a verb.

The teacher explained that a clause can be a full sentence or part of a sentence.

Understanding how a clause functions can greatly improve your sentence structure.

a separate part of a legal document that requires or talks about something specific

Example

The contract contains a confidentiality clause that prohibits the disclosure of sensitive information to third parties.

The insurance policy has a deductible clause, which outlines the amount the policyholder must pay out of pocket before the insurer covers the rest.

The employment contract includes a non-compete clause preventing the employee from working for a competitor for a certain period after leaving the company.

Example