Cool MateClause vs Condition vs Provision
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clause
Condition
Provision
| Clause | Condition | Provision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/klɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/klɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈdɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈdɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. | A state or situation that must be met or that affects something. | A supply or arrangement for future needs. |
| Example | In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. | The condition of the car was poor after the long trip. | The provision of clean water is essential for the health of the community. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun |
| Collocations | main, subordinate, conditional, in a/the clause, confidentiality, indemnity, penalty, contain, have, add, in a/the clause, under a/the clause, clause on | excellent, good, immaculate, assess, evaluate, in… condition, critical, serious, stable, get better, improve, deteriorate, assess, monitor, in a… condition, in… condition, out of condition, be in no condition to do something, medical, life-threatening, serious, have, suffer from, be born with, favourable/favorable, good, ideal, live in, work in, work under, exist, persist, prevail, in condition, under condition, favourable/favorable, good, ideal, live in, work in, work under, exist, persist, prevail, in condition, under condition, strict, special, attach, impose, lay down, apply, on condition that, on… condition, under… condition, a breach of a condition, conditions of employment, sale, etc., terms and conditions, necessary, sufficient, create, condition for, human, improve | federal, private, state, provision of, full, adequate, detailed, make, contain, include, apply, allow something, require something, provision against, provision for, buy, stock up on, stock up with, full, adequate, detailed, make, contain, include, apply, allow something, require something, provision against, provision for |
| Antonyms | independent clause | disorder, chaos, confusion | deprivation, deficit |
| Common mistakes | Confused 'clause' with 'clause of action'., Using 'clause' as a verb instead of a noun., Not recognizing dependent vs independent clauses. | Confused with 'conditions' as in multiple situations., Used incorrectly with verbs that don't match its meaning., Omitting the context, like 'condition of' instead of just 'condition'. | Confused with 'provisions' as just food supplies., Used 'provision' when 'provide' is needed., Misunderstood as a verb instead of a noun. |
| Usage notes | Usually used in academic, legal, or formal writing. Be careful not to confuse it with 'phrase,' which does not have both a subject and a verb. | Used in both everyday conversation and formal settings. More formal when discussing health or legal matters, while informal uses may be seen in everyday discussions about preferences. | Use 'provision' when discussing supplies, especially in a formal context like law or business. It's less common in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Clause vs Condition vs Provision
What's the difference between Clause, Condition, and Provision?
Clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. Condition: A state or situation that must be met or that affects something. Provision: A supply or arrangement for future needs.
Which is more common: Clause, Condition, and Provision?
Condition is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Clause, Condition, and Provision?
Provision is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clause, Condition, and Provision the same CEFR level?
Clause: B1, Condition: A2, Provision: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clause, Condition, and Provision?
Clause: noun, Condition: noun, Provision: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clause: In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. Condition: The condition of the car was poor after the long trip. Provision: The provision of clean water is essential for the health of the community.
Can I use Clause, Condition, and Provision interchangeably?
Not always. Clause, Condition, and Provision are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.