What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clause
Example
The sentence consists of a subject, a verb, and an object clause. [clause: noun]
Example
According to the clause in the contract, the payment must be made within 30 days. [clause: noun]
term
Example
The term 'happy' can be used to describe a feeling of joy. [term: noun]
Example
He served a five-year term as the president of the company. [term: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Term is more commonly used than clause in everyday language. Term is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, such as describing something or referring to a specific duration. On the other hand, clause is more specialized and commonly used in grammar and legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clause and term?
Both clause and term can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, clause is more commonly associated with formal writing and legal documents, while term can be used in both formal and informal settings.
