What is clause? Pronunciation and usage in English

clause means . Learn how to pronounce and use clause through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of clause

clausenoun

/klɔːz//klɔːz/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "clause" in English. It’s a tricky one for many learners! Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Shortened Version (Most Common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈkleɪ/ (rhymes with "lay" or "gray")
  • Breakdown:
    • ˈkleɪ – The emphasis is on the first syllable ("kley"). It sounds like the word "clay," but shorter.
    • – – The hyphen indicates a silent syllable.
    • ɪ – a short, quick "ih" sound (like in "bit")

2. The Longer, More Traditional Pronunciation (Less Common Now, but Still Correct):

  • Pronunciation: /klɔːz/ (rhymes with “rose”)
  • Breakdown:
    • klɔː – This is the longer "cl" sound, followed by the "aw" sound (like in “law”).
    • z – A soft “z” sound, like the “s” in “measure.”

Which one should you use?

In modern American English, the ˈkleɪ pronunciation is overwhelmingly the most common and accepted. It’s what you'll hear in most everyday conversations and writing.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is by hearing it. Search for "how to pronounce clause" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary. They offer audio pronunciations.
  • Focus on the First Syllable: Really emphasize the "kley" sound.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the “aw” sound: If you're going for the /klɔːz/ pronunciation, keep the “aw” sound relatively short and soft.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Focus on specific regional pronunciations (e.g., British English)?

Usage and examples with the word clause in English

Let's break down how to use the word "clause" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a specific meaning in grammar.

1. What is a Clause?

At its core, a clause is a group of words containing a subject (who or what is doing the action) and a verb (the action itself). It’s a smaller unit of a sentence.

2. Types of Clauses:

There are two main types of clauses:

  • Independent Clause (Main Clause): This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.
    • Example: I like pizza. (Subject: I, Verb: like)
  • Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause): This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It relies on an independent clause to make sense. It often starts with words like:

    • Because

    • Although

    • If

    • When

    • While

    • That

    • Which

    • Who

    • Example: Because it was raining, (Subject: it, Verb: was raining) we stayed inside.

3. Subtypes of Dependent Clauses:

Within dependent clauses, there are two further classifications:

  • Relative Clause (Adjective Clause): This clause modifies a noun or pronoun in the main clause. It usually begins with a relative pronoun (who, whom, which, that) or a relative adverb (when, where, why).
    • Example: The book that I borrowed is interesting. (“that I borrowed” modifies “book”)
  • Adverbial Clause: This clause modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb in the main clause, providing information about time, place, reason, condition, or manner. They often begin with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, while, etc.).
    • Example: I will go to the store if I have time. (“if I have time” modifies “will go”)

4. Clauses in Complex Sentences:

The real power of “clause” comes into play when you understand how they combine in complex sentences. A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

  • Example: Although I was tired, I finished my homework.
    • “I was tired” is a dependent clause (adverbial – shows reason).
    • “I finished my homework” is an independent clause.

5. Using "Clause" as a Noun:

You can also use "clause" as a noun to refer to a particular clause within a sentence.

  • Example: In that sentence, the relative clause is crucial for understanding the meaning.

Here’s a table summarizing the key points:

Feature Independent Clause Dependent Clause
Can it stand alone? Yes No
Contains…? Subject & Verb Subject & Verb
Types N/A Relative, Adverbial

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • Are you studying English grammar for a specific reason (e.g., writing, test preparation)?
  • Is there a particular type of clause you’d like to focus on (e.g., relative clauses, adverbial clauses)?

Synonyms for the word clause

Practice with vocabulary clause

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The contract included a specific ______ stating that late payments would incur a penalty.
  2. Please refer to the third ______ on page 7 for details regarding the project timeline.
  3. A dependent ______ cannot stand alone as a complete thought; it needs an independent ______ to make sense.
  4. One important ______ of the new policy is the increased flexibility for remote work arrangements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes a subordinate clause? a) A complete sentence expressing a main idea. b) A group of words with a subject and verb, but unable to stand alone. c) A phrase modifying a noun. d) A statement of fact.

  2. In legal documents, the term "escape clause" refers to a condition that allows parties to: a) Escape from the document's obligations under certain circumstances. b) Avoid paying taxes. c) Renegotiate the entire agreement. d) Immediately terminate all business relations.

  3. Which of these sentences contains an independent clause? a) Because he studied diligently. b) Running quickly through the park. c) She finished her report on time. d) To achieve better results.

  4. When drafting a business agreement, it's crucial to specify all key terms. Which of the following words are closest in meaning to "terms" in this context? a) conditions b) specifications c) remarks d) paragraphs

  5. A new amendment was added to the constitution, outlining citizen rights. Which word best describes a change or addition to a text? a) revision b) addendum c) preamble d) summary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The agreement included a statement that outlined the conditions for early termination. (Rewrite using "clause")
  2. Because the weather was bad, the flight was delayed. (Rewrite to explicitly identify a clause)
  3. The contract contains many distinct parts that detail each party's responsibilities. (Rewrite, but do not use "clause")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The contract included a specific clause stating that late payments would incur a penalty.
  2. Please refer to the third paragraph on page 7 for details regarding the project timeline.
  3. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete thought; it needs an independent clause to make sense.
  4. One important provision of the new policy is the increased flexibility for remote work arrangements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) A group of words with a subject and verb, but unable to stand alone.
  2. a) Escape from the document's obligations under certain circumstances.
  3. c) She finished her report on time.
  4. a) conditions, b) specifications
  5. a) revision, b) addendum

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The agreement included a clause that outlined the conditions for early termination.
  2. The sentence "Because the weather was bad, the flight was delayed" contains an adverbial clause of reason: 'Because the weather was bad'.
  3. The contract contains many distinct sections that detail each party's responsibilities.

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