clauses

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clauses" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a group of words that contain a subject and a verb and form a grammatical unit within a larger sentence. Example: In order to pass the exam, students must demonstrate their understanding of both independent and dependent clauses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The court has voted 12 to 4 that Japan has not acted in conformity with several clauses of the international convention for the regulation of whaling.

The Guardian

At the time, the SNP dismissed the clauses Cameron put forward as watering down the Smith agreement in key areas, and on Wednesday the SNP's Westminster leader, Angus Robertson, reiterated that "anything less than implementation of the Smith commission in full would be a breach of faith".

The Guardian

The panel will only review complaints falling within the clauses set out in the PCC code.

The Guardian

It quite clearly states £40m is a minimum offer for discussions but it becomes really difficult with such clauses.

The Guardian - Sport

Since the regulations were introduced, the extent of opt-out clauses, allowing workers to exceed the maximum number of hours permitted, has grown considerably, so it's hard to demonstrate that this has had any significant effect in killing off economic growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

For Australians, today's victory in the International Court of Justice – that Japan "has not acted in conformity with several clauses of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling" – is an almost personal one.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of these T&C clauses read as follows: "YOUR FIRST-BORN CHILD: In using this service, you agree to relinquish your first-born child to F-Secure, as and when the company requires it.

The Guardian - Tech

Clearing away the legal undergrowth of ancient clauses that no longer serve any purpose requires regular legal pruning, reversing parliament's past enthusiasm for new laws.

The Guardian

The promises kept have all come with clauses that reverse any good intended.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, due to confidentiality clauses inside the Joint Drug Agreement, the document that lays out the protocols for suspensions and appeal hearings for those accused of violating MLB's drug policies, the specifics behind the charges against A-Rod were unknown.

The Guardian - Sport

According to the housing charity Shelter, your contract shouldn't contain any unfair clauses, so it can't state: "the landlord can change the terms of the agreement whenever s/he likes".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting legal or formal documents, ensure that each "clause" is clearly and concisely written to avoid ambiguity. Proper numbering and headings can also improve readability and referenceability.

Common error

Avoid nesting too many sub-"clauses" within a single sentence. Break down complex ideas into shorter, more digestible sentences to enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clauses" is as a noun, referring to specific sections or provisions within legal documents or contracts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as a plural noun, denoting multiple segments within a larger text.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "clauses" is a grammatically correct and very common noun referring to distinct sections within legal, contractual, or formal documents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote specific terms, conditions, or provisions. Its usage is primarily formal and professional, frequently appearing in News & Media, Formal & Business, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure clarity and avoid overly complex sentence structures to prevent ambiguity. Related terms include "provisions", "stipulations", and "terms", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legal provisions

Specifically emphasizes the legal aspect of clauses, highlighting their role in contracts, laws, and agreements.

contractual terms

Focuses specifically on clauses as they appear in contracts, emphasizing the binding conditions and requirements.

provisions

Refers to specific parts or sections within a legal document or agreement, similar to clauses but may imply a more detailed or specific component.

stipulations

Emphasizes a requirement or condition that must be met, often found in contracts or agreements.

conditions

Highlights the requirements or terms that must be satisfied for an agreement or contract to be valid or effective.

terms

Focuses on the specific conditions and requirements outlined in an agreement or contract.

sections

Refers to distinct parts or segments of a document, which may contain one or more clauses.

articles

Commonly used in legal or formal documents to denote specific sections or provisions, often broader than individual clauses.

paragraphs

While "clauses" refers to grammatical units or specific conditions, paragraphs represent a unit of text that may contain multiple clauses.

sentences

Indicates grammatically complete units of thought within a text; clauses can form part of sentences.

FAQs

How are "clauses" used in legal documents?

"Clauses" define specific terms, conditions, and obligations within contracts, laws, and other legal agreements. They are critical for ensuring clarity and enforceability.

What's the difference between "clauses" and "provisions"?

While both refer to parts of legal documents, "clauses" typically denote individual terms or conditions, whereas "provisions" can encompass broader sections or sets of related terms.

Can a contract be valid without clearly defined "clauses"?

A contract without clear and unambiguous "clauses" is likely to be unenforceable. Clear "clauses" are essential for preventing disputes and ensuring that all parties understand their obligations.

What makes a "clause" in a contract enforceable?

For a "clause" to be enforceable, it must be clear, specific, and not violate any laws or public policies. It should also be agreed upon by all parties involved in the contract.