Cleft sentences

Use it-clefts and wh-clefts to focus attention on one element of a sentence.

When do we use it?

Reorganize information with it is or what clauses while preserving the original meaning.

Form

Use It was X that/who... or What... was X to highlight new or contrastive information.

• It was Maya who solved it.
• What I need is a break.
• The reason why I left was the noise.

Key contrast

At C1, grammar choices shape emphasis, stance, information flow and register as well as basic correctness.

Common mistakes

• It was Maya which solved it. → It was Maya who solved it.
• What I need it is rest. → What I need is rest.

Remember

Use it-clefts and wh-clefts to focus attention on one element of a sentence.

Quick check

• Identify the focus, stance or relationship between clauses.
• Check inversion, complementation and reference carefully.
• Prefer the option that is both grammatical and appropriate for the register.