Words / B1

KLORZ/klɔːz/

In grammar, a clause is a group of words with a verb that forms part of a sentence: a main clause; a relative clause; a subordinate clause. A phrase has no finite verb; a sentence may contain one or more clauses. Clause also means a section of a legal contract — useful in work English. Do not mix it up with claws (an animal’s nails). Identifying clauses is a typical exam skill.

Meaning

A group of words that forms part of a sentence; also a section of a legal document.

Examples

• “This sentence has two clauses joined by and.”
• “A relative clause often starts with who, which, or that.”
• “Check the penalty clause before you sign the contract.”

Good to know

Grammar: main / relative / subordinate clause. No finite verb: phrase. Legal: a clause in a contract. Not claws.

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