What does clause mean?
A clause is a fundamental building block of both language and law. In its grammatical sense, a clause is a group of words built around a subject and a verb — for example, 'the rain stopped' or 'because she was tired'. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a subordinate clause depends on another clause to make sense; complex sentences typically knit several clauses together. In its legal sense, a clause is one numbered or titled section of a contract, treaty, statute, or lease that sets out a specific condition, right, or obligation, such as an escape clause that lets a party withdraw from an agreement. The two senses share the same underlying idea: a self-contained unit embedded in a larger whole. Writers, lawyers, and editors rely on the term constantly, making 'clause' essential vocabulary for anyone who drafts documents or studies how English sentences are constructed.
nounA clause is a group of words containing a subject and predicate that forms part of a sentence, or a distinct section of a legal contract or treaty setting out a particular condition or provision.
- A unit of grammar: a group of words containing a subject and a verb, forming all or part of a sentence (as in main clause, subordinate clause).
- A distinct provision, condition, or article within a legal document such as a contract, treaty, statute, or lease.
"The contract contained an escape clause allowing either party to withdraw."
"Because she arrived early, she had time to review the report."
"The lease included a clause forbidding subletting without written consent."
The standard plural. Note that 'clauses' can be pronounced identically to 'claws' in many accents, so context must carry the meaning.
"Several clauses in the treaty required renegotiation."
Every sentence you've ever spoken was secretly built from clauses — tiny word-teams with their own subject and verb, snapping together like Lego bricks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clause
The word 'clause' comes via Old French 'clause' from Latin 'clausa', meaning a closing or conclusion — literally 'something shut', the feminine past participle of 'claudere', to close. It entered English in the Middle Ages, when it referred both to a concluding passage of text and, later, to the divisions of legal documents. Its relatives from the same Latin root include 'close', 'closet', 'conclude', 'disclose', and 'enclose' — all carrying the sense of shutting something in or bringing something to an end.
Related word forms
How clause is actually used
In grammar, the term distinguishes independent (main) clauses, which can stand alone as sentences, from dependent (subordinate) clauses, which cannot. In legal usage it is neutral and formal register. The homophone 'claws' makes the plural form sound identical in many accents.
Easily confused with clause
'Claws' are the sharp curved nails of animals; 'clause' is a grammatical unit or a section of a legal document — they differ only in spelling.