Another Word For Clause

Meaning

A clause is a grammatical unit that contains a subject and a predicate (verb). It can stand alone as a complete thought, known as an independent clause, or it can be part of a larger sentence, as in the case of dependent (or subordinate) clauses. Clauses help to express complex ideas in writing, and they can add information, indicate conditions, or signal time.

Synonyms

• Provision
• Article
• Section
• Condition
• Statement

Antonyms

• Phrase
• Fragment
• Whole

Etymology

The word "clause" comes from the Latin word "clausula," meaning "a closing" or "a key phrase," which itself is derived from "claudere," meaning "to close." This reflects how clauses combine to form sentences and express complete ideas.

Examples

1. The clause in the contract stated that the payment must be made by the end of the month.
2. In the sentence "When it rains, I like to stay indoors," "When it rains" is a dependent clause.
3. The teacher explained that a complex clause can include both an independent and a dependent part.
4. We should review the terms of the agreement, especially the penalty clause.
5. The child struggled to understand how to identify an independent clause in her reading.