Cleft Sentences allow you to emphasize specific parts of a sentence by restructuring it into two clauses. This technique helps you highlight important information, making your communication more effective and nuanced. In this lesson, you'll learn how to use cleft sentences to add emphasis while maintaining clarity.
Examples
Example 1
Emphasized It was the manager who approved the budget.
This sentence uses a cleft structure to emphasize who approved the budget.
Example 2
Emphasized What she wanted was a chance to explain her side.
This cleft sentence highlights what she wanted, making it the focal point.
How It Works
Meaning
Cleft sentences are a grammatical structure that divides a sentence into two clauses to emphasize a specific part. This structure highlights the most important information, making it stand out to the reader or listener. A typical cleft sentence pattern involves using 'It is/was' or 'What' followed by the emphasized element and a relative clause. At the B2 level, mastering cleft sentences enhances clarity and emphasis in communication.
Use it when
- You need to emphasize a specific part of a sentence in formal writing or speech.
- You want to highlight key information in academic papers or reports.
- You are clarifying which part of a sentence is most critical in complex explanations.
- You aim to create a dramatic effect in storytelling or presentations.
See it
Quick rules
- Use 'It is/was' to emphasize a noun or noun phrase.
- Use 'What' to emphasize an action or idea.
- Ensure the cleft sentence retains the original meaning.
- Check that the sentence remains grammatically correct after restructuring.
- Avoid overusing cleft sentences to maintain a natural flow.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
Misplacing the emphasized element in a cleft sentence
Weak It is the budget approved by the manager.
Strong It was the manager who approved the budget.
Fix: Ensure the cleft structure correctly emphasizes the intended element.
Common problem 2
Using cleft sentences unnecessarily
Weak It was a sunny day that we went to the beach.
Strong We went to the beach on a sunny day.
Fix: Use cleft sentences only when emphasis is needed.
Common problem 3
Incorrect verb agreement in cleft sentences
Weak What they need are more time to prepare.
Strong What they need is more time to prepare.
Fix: Ensure subject-verb agreement in cleft sentences.
Practice Lab
Practice
Focus on creating and identifying cleft sentences to emphasize key information.
Score: 0/3
Ensure the cleft sentence maintains the original meaning while highlighting the key information.
1. Quick pick
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a cleft structure.
2. Build it
Put this cleft sentence in the correct order.
Tap a chunk to move it down. Tap it again to send it back.
3. Final sort
Mark each sentence as correctly using a cleft structure or needing a fix.
It was the manager who approved the budget.
It is the budget approved by the manager.
What she needs is more time to finish the task.
What she needs are more time to finish the task.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Mastering cleft sentences allows you to emphasize key information effectively, enhancing the clarity and impact of your communication. This skill is crucial for advanced writing and speaking, especially in academic and professional settings.
Get Feedback
Personalized score feedback
Get clear next-step advice.
Choose the support that matches your study goal. You get direct correction, clear scoring language, and a simple next step.
Best when you need precise correction on grammar control, task response quality, and exam-style scoring.
Personalized Coaching
Need faster IELTS improvement? Book a focused 1:1 strategy session.Get free Band 7+ strategies every week
Get free Band 7+ strategies every week