Ch 2
Cleft Sentences
It was X who · What I need is · the thing that
Cleft sentences split one idea into two clauses to emphasise a specific element. They're a major C1 tool for sophisticated writing and speech.
It-cleft
It was John who called yesterday. (emphasising John)
Wh-cleft
What I need is a holiday. (emphasising the need)
All-cleft
All I want is some peace.
It is/was + emphasised element + that/who + rest of clause ✓
Plain
Mary bought the cake yesterday at the supermarket.
Emphasise subject
It was Mary who bought the cake.
Emphasise object
It was the cake that Mary bought.
Emphasise time
It was yesterday that Mary bought the cake.
Emphasise place
It was at the supermarket that Mary bought the cake.
What + S + V + is/was + emphasised element ✓
What I want
What I want is some peace and quiet.
What I did
What I did was call the manager.
What annoys me
What annoys me is his lateness.
All-cleft
All you need is patience.
The thing (that)
The thing that worries me is the cost.
The reason (why)
The reason why she left was unclear.
The person (who)
The person who told me was Maria.
The place (where)
The place where we met was a small café.
The thing that I love about her is her honesty.
Strong contrast
It wasn't me who said that, it was her.
Correction
It's not Tuesday — it's Wednesday today.
Surprise focus
What surprised me most was her reaction.
Highlight reason
The reason I'm late is the traffic.
It was John bought the cake.
→
It was John who bought the cake.
cleft needs the linking word
What I want it is some peace.
→
What I want is some peace.
don't repeat "it"
It is yesterday when Mary bought it.
→
It was yesterday that Mary bought it.
past topic → was, not is
Recap
It-cleft
It + be + X + that/who + clause
It was John who called.
Wh-cleft
What/who/where + clause + be + X
What I need is sleep.
The thing/reason
The X that/why + clause + be + Y
The thing that worries me is...
Use
emphasis, contrast, correction
formal and emphatic structures