sub-clause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal/technical
Quick answer
What does “sub-clause” mean?
A clause that is subordinate to another clause, often in grammar or legal contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A clause that is subordinate to another clause, often in grammar or legal contexts.
In legal documents, a specific provision or subsection; in grammar, a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is generally consistent with hyphen; in American English, 'subsection' might be preferred in legal texts, while British English retains 'sub-clause' more frequently.
Connotations
Formal, precise, and technical in both dialects.
Frequency
More common in British legal and academic English; less frequent in everyday American English, where alternatives like 'clause' or 'provision' are used.
Grammar
How to Use “sub-clause” in a Sentence
noun + of + nounnoun + in + nounnoun + that + clauseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sub-clause” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adverb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adjective
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts and agreements to refer to specific conditions or terms within a larger clause.
Academic
Common in linguistics for analyzing sentence structure and in legal studies for dissecting documents.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation; more likely in formal writing or discussions about grammar.
Technical
Precise term in grammar and law for a clause embedded within another clause.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sub-clause”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sub-clause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sub-clause”
- Using 'sub-clause' to mean any small part without the grammatical or legal specificity.
- Omitting the hyphen and writing as 'sub clause' or 'subclause' in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A clause can be independent or dependent, while a sub-clause is specifically a dependent clause that is part of a larger clause.
Typically yes, as 'sub-clause', though some style guides may allow 'subclause', especially in American English.
Primarily in linguistics for grammatical analysis and in law for interpreting contracts and legal documents.
It is rare in casual conversation; it is more appropriate in formal, technical, or academic contexts.
A clause that is subordinate to another clause, often in grammar or legal contexts.
Sub-clause is usually formal/technical in register.
Sub-clause: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌb.klɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌb.klɑːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sub-' meaning under, and 'clause' as a part of a sentence or document, so a sub-clause is under another clause.
Conceptual Metaphor
Hierarchy or nesting, where sub-clauses are components within a larger framework.
Practice
Quiz
What best describes a sub-clause?