Cleft sentences for emphasis
Add emphasis with cleft sentences: It was Maria who called. What I love is… The reason why… All I want is…
In this lesson you will
- Form it-cleft sentences
- Form what-cleft and all-cleft sentences
- Use clefts to correct and contrast
Learn
It-cleft: It + be + focus + who/that + rest: *It was my brother who found the keys* (not me). It’s the noise that* bothers me.*
What-cleft: What + clause + be + focus: *What I need is a long holiday. What she did was call the police.* (For actions use do: What he did was…)
Other clefts: *All I want is some peace. The thing that annoys me is… The reason why I called is that… The place where we met was…*
Clefts are great for correcting, contrasting and highlighting the key information in speech and writing.
Examples
- It was in Paris that they first met.
- What I like about her is her honesty.
- All we can do now is wait.
- The reason why I’m late is that my train broke down.
Vocabulary
emphasis
special importance given to something
highlight
make something stand out
contrast
show a difference
bother
annoy or worry
focus
the main point
Practice
Complete the sentence.
Speaking
Correct five false statements about yourself using it-clefts (No, it was… that…), then say what you love, hate and need using what-clefts.
Writing
Write a paragraph (100–120 words) about what makes a good teacher or boss, using at least four cleft sentences.
Lesson quiz
It ___ my mother who taught me to cook.
Review
Key points
- It + be + focus + who/that…
- What + clause + be + focus.
- All…, The reason why…, The thing that…
- Use for emphasis and correction.
What you learned
- ✓ I can form cleft sentences.
- ✓ I can add emphasis.
- ✓ I can correct and contrast.
Grammar reference: Cleft sentences