What Clauses are a key grammar topic that can significantly alter a sentence's clarity and precision. Mastering these clauses helps articulate ideas more naturally and accurately. This lesson will guide you through understanding their structure, usage, and common pitfalls.
Examples
Example 1
IncorrectI do not understand what does the chart show.
BetterI do not understand what the chart shows.
'What the chart shows' uses statement order, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Example 2
IncorrectWhat students need are more quiet study space.
BetterWhat students need is more quiet study space.
The verb 'is' agrees with the singular noun phrase 'more quiet study space.'
How It Works
Meaning
A what-clause functions as a noun in a sentence, beginning with 'what' and containing its own subject and verb. It allows you to express a complete idea succinctly, often replacing longer noun phrases. This structure is crucial at the B2 level for creating complex sentences that are clear and precise.
Use it when
- Expressing a need or requirement, e.g., 'What we need is more time.'
- Describing a result or outcome, e.g., 'What happened was unexpected.'
- Clarifying information, e.g., 'What she said was very insightful.'
- Stating preferences or opinions, e.g., 'What I prefer is a quiet environment.'
See it
Quick rules
- Begin with 'what' followed by subject + verb.
- Maintain statement order, not question order, within the clause.
- Treat the what-clause as a single noun unit in the sentence.
- Ensure verb agreement aligns with the clause's function in the sentence.
- Use 'what' to replace longer noun phrases for clarity and precision.
Common Mistakes
Common problem 1
using question order inside a what-clause
WeakShe explained what did the graph mean in the final section.
StrongShe explained what the graph meant in the final section.
Fix: Use statement order, not question order, within the clause.
Common problem 2
treating the what-clause like a direct question
WeakI cannot see what does the final column mean.
StrongI cannot see what the final column means.
Fix: Keep statement order inside the clause.
Common problem 3
using the wrong verb agreement after a what-clause
WeakWhat the school need are better reading materials.
StrongWhat the school needs is better reading material.
Fix: Ensure verb agreement matches the singular or plural nature of the subject.
Practice Lab
Practice
First notice the right form. Then build it yourself. Then fix it in a full sentence.
Score: 0/3
Focus on maintaining statement order within what-clauses for clarity.
1. Quick pick
Choose the stronger sentence for What Clauses.
2. Build it
Put this What Clauses 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 correct or needing a fix.
What the manager suggested was implemented immediately.
What did the manager suggest was implemented immediately.
What the team needs is a new project leader.
What the team need is a new project leader.
Why It Matters
🎯 Why it matters: Mastering what clauses enhances clarity and precision in communication, making your statements more reliable and understandable to listeners or examiners. This control is crucial for effective writing and speaking at the B2 level.
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