Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

clause

Noun

/klɔːz/

Definition

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be independent, standing alone as a complete thought, or dependent, needing to be connected to an independent clause.

Examples

The sentence ‘She reads a book’ contains one independent clause.
Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk. (Here, ‘Although it was raining’ is a dependent clause.)

Meaning

In grammar, a clause is a structural element in sentences that helps convey meaning. Clauses can serve various functions; they can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence.