Cool MateClause vs Phrase
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clause
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Phrase
Top 2,000 (common)A1noun
| Clause | Phrase | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/klɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/klɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/freɪz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/freɪz/"]/ |
| Meaning | A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. | A group of words that have a meaning together. |
| Example | In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. | Can you teach me this phrase in French? |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | 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 | colloquial, idiomatic, key, employ, turn, use, book, in a/the phrase, a choice of phrase, a turn of phrase, colloquial, idiomatic, key, employ, turn, use, book, in a/the phrase, a choice of phrase, a turn of phrase |
| Antonyms | independent clause | single word, term, word |
| Common mistakes | Confused 'clause' with 'clause of action'., Using 'clause' as a verb instead of a noun., Not recognizing dependent vs independent clauses. | Confusing 'phrase' with 'sentence' which is a complete thought., Using 'phrase' to refer to a single word., Not understanding that phrases can vary in length. |
| 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. | Use 'phrase' to describe specific groups of words, often in the context of language and communication. Avoid using it in highly formal writing where a more precise term might be expected. |
Frequently asked questions: Clause vs Phrase
What's the difference between Clause and Phrase?
Clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. Phrase: A group of words that have a meaning together.
Are Clause and Phrase the same CEFR level?
Clause: B1, Phrase: A1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Clause and Phrase interchangeably?
Not always. Clause and Phrase 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.