Meaning & use

clause

noun·Academic

A group of words containing a subject and a verb that forms part of a sentence or a distinct section of a legal document.

See it in a sentence

The sentence has two clauses joined by the word 'because'.

The lawyer added a clause requiring thirty days' notice before either party could cancel.

A note on using this word

In grammar, a clause must contain both a subject and a verb; a group of words without a verb is called a phrase, not a clause.

Words with a similar meaning

provisionstipulation

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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