Cool MateClause vs Phrase vs Sentence
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clause
Phrase
Sentence
| Clause | Phrase | Sentence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/klɔːz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/klɔːz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/freɪz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/freɪz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsentəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsentəns/"]/ |
| 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. | A group of words that express a complete thought. |
| Example | In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. | Can you teach me this phrase in French? | She wrote a beautiful sentence in her essay. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 | A1 |
| 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 | 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 | long, short, complete, begin, finish, complete, contain something, have something, structure, maximum, minimum, average, hand down, impose, pass, sentence for, under sentence of death |
| Antonyms | independent clause | single word, term, word | fragment, phrase, 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. | Using 'sentence' when referring to a single word., Confusing 'sentence' with 'phrase', which is not a complete thought., Saying 'sentences' when referring to the concept in a general way. |
| 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. | Use 'sentence' when talking about written or spoken language. It's neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in technical or specialized discussions about grammar. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clause vs Phrase vs Sentence
What's the difference between Clause, Phrase, and Sentence?
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. Sentence: A group of words that express a complete thought.
Which is more common: Clause, Phrase, and Sentence?
Sentence is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Clause, Phrase, and Sentence?
Clause is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Clause, Phrase, and Sentence the same CEFR level?
Clause: B1, Phrase: A1, Sentence: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clause, Phrase, and Sentence?
Clause: noun, Phrase: noun, Sentence: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Clause: In legal terms, a clause is a distinct provision in a contract. Phrase: Can you teach me this phrase in French? Sentence: She wrote a beautiful sentence in her essay.
Can I use Clause, Phrase, and Sentence interchangeably?
Not always. Clause, Phrase, and Sentence 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.