clause

Everyday

1. In grammar, a clause is a group of words that has a verb and usually a subject: «when the bell rang» and «we went outside» are clauses. tree →
2. A main clause makes sense on its own as a sentence; a subordinate clause does not and needs a main clause. tree →
3. (law) A clause is one section or rule in a written agreement or law. tree →

In the lessons

In English grammar lessons pupils join clauses with conjunctions («and», «but», «because», «when») and learn main clauses, subordinate clauses and relative clauses («the boy who won»). Phrases: «main clause», «subordinate clause», «relative clause», «a clause in the contract». In everyday adult life, contracts for phones, homes and jobs have clauses that say what each side must do. «Santa Claus» sounds the same but is a different word.

Examples

• «I went home» is a main clause. tree →
• «Because it was raining» is a subordinate clause; it cannot stand alone. tree →
• Join the two clauses with «but». tree →
• «The dog that barked» has a relative clause: «that barked». tree →
• Every clause has a verb. tree →
• Dad read every clause of the phone contract before signing. tree →
• A comma often comes after a subordinate clause at the start of a sentence. tree →

Note

Plural «clauses». Homophone trap: «clause» (grammar, law) and «claws» (sharp nails of an animal), and «Claus» in «Santa Claus». A clause has a verb; a phrase usually does not («in the morning» is a phrase).