(grammar) an expression including a subject and predicate functioning as a part of a complex sentence
"When analyzing that complex sentence, I realized the second clause introduced a surprising condition that changed the entire argument."
A verb, its necessary grammatical arguments, and any adjuncts affecting them.
"The teacher explained that every main clause must contain a subject performing an action or being acted upon."
In plain English: A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not stand alone as a complete sentence.
"The contract contained a clause that allowed either party to cancel the agreement with thirty days' notice."
Usage: In everyday conversation, a clause refers to a specific provision or condition within a contract, will, or agreement that outlines rights, obligations, or penalties. While the term has a technical grammatical meaning involving verbs and arguments, most people use it to describe distinct parts of a legal document rather than sentence structures.
To amend (a bill of lading or similar document).
"The lawyer advised us not to clause the bill of lading until all the cargo details had been verified by the shipping agent."
In plain English: To clause something means to break it into smaller, separate parts.
"The lawyer will clause every contract detail to protect our interests."
Usage: As a verb, to clause means to add a specific provision or condition to a legal document like a contract or bill of lading. Use it when describing the act of formally inserting an amendment into written agreements rather than speaking generally about making changes.
A surname.
"When I introduced my colleague to her father, he was Mr. Clause, a well-known local attorney."
The word "clause" comes from the Old French clause, which was borrowed from Medieval Latin clausa. Originally meaning a "close" or "end," it entered English to refer specifically to a distinct section of a legal document.