What is the definition of a clause?

The definition of a clause focuses on its structure, which includes both a subject and a predicate. This choice highlights that a clause can express a thought that is part of a larger sentence but does not stand alone as a complete sentence. For example, in the sentence "Although it was raining, we went for a walk," "Although it was raining" is a clause because it has a subject ("it") and a predicate ("was raining"), yet it does not form a complete thought without the rest of the sentence.

In contrast, a group of words without a subject or predicate does not meet the definition of a clause, as it lacks essential components to convey meaning. A complete sentence, while containing a subject and predicate, is not considered a clause in the technical sense used in grammar, as it stands entirely on its own. Lastly, a type of objective case refers to grammatical function related to pronouns and does not relate to the concept of a clause at all. Thus, the definition properly aligns with the understanding that a clause is indeed an expression that contains a subject and a predicate.