Cleft sentences
It is … that / What … is — focus and emphasis, using Unit 29 words.
Cleft sentences split one idea into two clauses to focus attention on a key element. The two main types are it-clefts (It is … that …) and wh-clefts (What … is …). Every example uses this unit's focus vocabulary.
A — How it works
It-cleft: It + be + focus + that/who + rest. Wh-cleft: What + clause + be + focus. Both highlight the most important information.
1) It-clefts — It is … that …
Focus on one element.
- It is the deadline that concerns the team.
- It is quality that matters most to us.
- It was the cost that worried the board.
- It is the manager who handles complaints.
2) Wh-clefts — What … is …
Focus on a need or action.
- What we need is clearer stakeholder alignment.
- What concerns me is the timeline.
- What the report highlights is the main risk.
- All the board wants is a clear summary.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Quick reference
- Remember
Try it: Choose the correct form
Select the best option.
- ___ is the deadline that concerns us.
(a) It (b) What (c) That - It is the manager ___ handles complaints.
(a) who (b) which (c) what - ___ we need is stakeholder alignment.
(a) What (b) It (c) That - It ___ the cost that worried the board. (past)
(a) was (b) is (c) were - All I want ___ a clear summary.
(a) is (b) are (c) be - Cleft sentences add:
(a) focus / emphasis (b) questions (c) apologies
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 3 exercises; the other 2 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →