2.1. Cleft sentences

 

Look at these sentences, and think if you find any differences between them:

  • I need to buy Marmite
    1. What I need to buy is Marmite
    2. It's Marmite that I need to buy

In sentences 1 and 2 a particular element (Marmite) is given a greater emphasis than in the basic sentence.
These two types of constructions (sentences 1 and 2) are called in English Cleft sentences and are used to bring particular elements of the clause into additional focus.

In the first example the focused element appears at the end of the sentence after the verb to be.

In the second one the focused element is after the subject It and the verb to be.

 
Watch this video on how to form cleft sentences. Once you have watched the video do the activities below.
 
Video alojado en Youtube

Do it yourself

Watch the video again and fill in the gaps according to the information provided in the video.

HOW TO FORM CLEFT SENTENCES:

  • At the beginning of cleft sentences you can find: , what or all. 
  • If we are using 'it cleft sentences', which is the structure? It + verb to be + subject/object + clause :
    It was John who wanted to go to the gym
    It's fame that they want rather more than money
  • 'What cleft structures' are linked to the part that we want to focus on by means of the verb to :
    What really gets me angry is the hypocrisy
  • 'What cleft structures' can also have this structure: What + subject + + verb to be + to infinitive:
    What we did with our garden was to cut down all the trees.
  • What can also be replaced by at the beginning of a cleft sentence:
    All I want from life is a bit of peace and quiet.

 

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Rewrite the sentences below starting with the phrase given:

1. I enjoyed the brilliant music in the Ballet Frankfurt performance.

     1. What I ....

2. The police interviewed all the witnesess

     2. What the police....

3. You should invest all your money in telecoms companies.

     3. What you...

4. I want a new coat for Christmas.

     4. All I ....

5. I touched the bedside light and it broke.

     5. All I did...

6. My brother bought his new car from our next-door neighbour last Saturday.

     6a. It was my brother ...

     6b. It was last Saturday...

     6c. It was a new car...

Adapted from:http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv149.shtml