Cleft Sentences
Cleft sentences split a simple sentence into two clauses to highlight a particular element. They are a powerful tool for emphasis and contrast in both speaking and writing.
It-cleft sentences
Structure: It + be + emphasised element + relative clause
The element you want to highlight comes directly after 'it is/was'.
Maria solved the problem.
→ It was Maria who solved the problem. (not someone else)
→ It was the problem that Maria solved. (not something else)
→ It was in 2018 that they launched the product. (not another time)
| Emphasised element | Relative pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Person | who / that | It was John who called. |
| Thing | that / which | It was the delay that caused the problem. |
| Time / place / reason | that | It was on Monday that it happened. |
Wh-cleft (pseudo-cleft) sentences
Structure: What + clause + be + emphasised element
What she needs is more time.
What surprised me was his calmness.
What I'd like is a clear explanation.
What the team did was remarkable.
Reverse wh-cleft
More time is what she needs.
A clear explanation is what I'd like.
All-cleft
All I want is the truth.
All he did was smile.
Tip: It-clefts are most common in writing; wh-clefts are more common in speech. Both are used to correct misunderstandings: It wasn't Maria who broke it — it was Tom.