Cool MateClause vs Provision
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clause
Provision
| Clause | Provision | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/klɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/klɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/prəˈvɪʒn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. | A supply or arrangement for future needs. |
| Example | In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. | The provision of clean water is essential for the health of the community. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 '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. | 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 Provision
What's the difference between Clause and Provision?
Clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. Provision: A supply or arrangement for future needs.
Which is more common: Clause and Provision?
Clause is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Clause and Provision?
Provision is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clause and Provision the same CEFR level?
Clause: B1, Provision: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clause and Provision?
Clause: noun, Provision: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clause: In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. Provision: The provision of clean water is essential for the health of the community.
Can I use Clause and Provision interchangeably?
Not always. Clause 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.