clause by clause

USAGE SUMMARY

"clause by clause" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when discussing the components of a sentence, such as "We will review the agreement clause by clause, and make sure we understand it completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The bill then goes into committee, where it is examined clause by clause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Political bluster comes easy; political honesty has to be ground out clause by clause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without TPA, Congress could unpick any agreement clause by clause rather than have to pass or reject it as a whole.

The Economist

The fine print – on exactly how Iran's nuclear programme would be limited, and precisely how international sanctions would be lifted in return – was fought over clause by clause.

The Guardian

When the charter was reissued for the second time, in the autumn of 1217, the council had reconsidered it clause by clause.

Britannica

The truth is that parliament now works a more normal working day than when it met only at 2.30 and sat well into the night as determined backbenchers on both sides fought bills they did not like, clause by clause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

This week, while the mood is being set in Davos, the clause-by-clause negotiating actually begins in New York.

The Guardian - Opinion

The deal already depends on President Obama getting fast-track authority from Congress to negotiate the details, without this clause-by-clause parliamentary debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The audiotapes of the proceedings made public by the department of personnel and training on Monday revealed the clause-by-clause struggle over the draft Lokpal Bill between Anna Hazare's team and government representatives over nine meetings (The Hindu).

The New York Times

Read our clause-by-clause guide to the bill as it stands now after being adopted by the House Of Commons and as it awaits Royal Assent … #1: Widen Ofcom's scope from TV and radio to all "media services", promoting investment in networks and public service content.

The Guardian

The opposition had accused the government of going back on a pledge to review the agreement on a clause-by-clause basis.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing legal documents or contracts, use "clause by clause" to emphasize a thorough and meticulous review of each individual section.

Common error

Avoid using "clause by clause" in everyday conversation. It sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler terms like "step by step" or "one by one".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clause by clause" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something is being examined or processed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It indicates a detailed and methodical approach, often in legal or formal contexts. Examples from Ludwig show its use in reviewing agreements and bills.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clause by clause" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a methodical, detailed examination, as validated by Ludwig AI. While its formal tone makes it more suitable for professional, legal, or political contexts, understanding its meaning and appropriate usage is crucial for effective communication. Remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings. Ludwig's examples show how this phrase is used in real-world contexts, particularly in news and encyclopedic sources, emphasizing its role in precise and thorough analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provision by provision

This is very similar to the query but emphasizes each specific legal provision or term.

section by section

This alternative suggests a focus on reviewing or implementing something in discrete sections, implying a structured approach.

point by point

This highlights a meticulous, detailed approach, often used in arguments or rebuttals.

line by line

Suggests the idea of meticulously reading or analyzing something, usually a text or document.

step by step

This indicates a sequential process, often used to describe instructions or procedures.

item by item

This suggests a focus on individual elements within a larger set, often used in inventories or audits.

paragraph by paragraph

Focuses on a textual structure being reviewed or analyzed in a detailed manner.

sentence by sentence

This indicates a textual analysis or review at the granular level of individual sentences.

detail by detail

Focuses on an exhaustive examination of specifics, rather than a structured document like the query.

element by element

Signifies a review or construction happening at a fundamental constituent level.

FAQs

How to use "clause by clause" in a sentence?

You can use "clause by clause" to describe a detailed review process, such as, "The committee examined the bill "clause by clause" to ensure it met all requirements."

What can I say instead of "clause by clause"?

Alternatives include "section by section", "point by point", or "item by item", depending on the specific context.

Is "clause-by-clause" hyphenated?

While "clause-by-clause" is sometimes hyphenated, it's more commonly written as two separate words: "clause by clause".

What's the difference between "clause by clause" and "section by section"?

"Clause by clause" typically refers to examining individual clauses within a legal or formal document, while "section by section" can apply to any document divided into sections.