Cool MateClause vs Section
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clause
Section
| Clause | Section | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/klɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/klɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. | A part of something, like a piece of a whole. |
| Example | In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. | Please complete the form and sign in the designated section. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very 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 | opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society |
| Antonyms | independent clause | whole, entirety |
| Common mistakes | Confused 'clause' with 'clause of action'., Using 'clause' as a verb instead of a noun., Not recognizing dependent vs independent clauses. | Using 'section' instead of 'segment' in the context of a physical object., Confusing 'section' with 'sectional' when describing furniture., Adding unnecessary plural forms like 'sections' when referring to a single part. |
| 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 'section' when referring to a distinct part of a whole, such as a chapter in a book or a part of a document. Avoid using it in contexts where a more specific term could be clearer. |
Frequently asked questions: Clause vs Section
What's the difference between Clause and Section?
Clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb that is part of a sentence. Section: A part of something, like a piece of a whole.
Which is more common: Clause and Section?
Section is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Clause and Section?
Clause is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clause and Section the same CEFR level?
Clause: B1, Section: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clause and Section?
Clause: noun, Section: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clause: In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. Section: Please complete the form and sign in the designated section.
Can I use Clause and Section interchangeably?
Not always. Clause and Section 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.