Rewrite for emphasis on the location: 'We met for the first time in Paris.'

It was in Paris that we met for the first time.

Correct the error: 'It was my brother what told me the news.'

It was my brother who/that told me the news.

Rewrite for emphasis on the person: 'The CEO made the final decision.'

It was the CEO who/that made the final decision.

Cleft sentences for emphasis

B2 Upper Intermediate

Cleft sentences divide a single clause into two parts to focus on specific information. They are primarily used to highlight a subject, object, or adverbial phrase for emphasis or contrast.

Overview

A cleft sentence (from the word 'cleave', meaning to cut) takes a simple statement and splits it into two clauses. This structure allows the speaker to direct the listener's attention to the most important part of the message. While common in spoken English to correct misunderstandings, they are also used in formal writing to provide clear focus.

It-clefts

It + be (conjugated) + [emphasized word/phrase] + that/who + [rest of sentence]

The most common form uses an introductory 'it' followed by the verb 'be'. The focused information comes immediately after, followed by a relative clause starting with that or who.

Examples

Standard vs. Cleft Sentences

The cleft version singles out the cause or the requirement, making it stand out against other possible options.

Standard Sentence	Cleft Sentence (Emphasis)
The rain caused the accident.	It was the rain that caused the accident.
I need a holiday.	What I need is a holiday.

Common mistakes

It was the dog what barked all night.
It was the dog that barked all night.
Use 'that' or 'who' for it-clefts; 'what' is only used in pseudo-clefts (e.g., 'What I want is...').
It is me who is responsible.
It is I who am responsible.
In very formal English, the pronoun and verb match the subject; however, 'It is me who is...' is standard in modern speech.

Practice

Rewrite for emphasis on the location: 'We met for the first time in Paris.'
Show answer
It was in Paris that we met for the first time.
Answer:It was in Paris that we met for the first time.
Why:The prepositional phrase 'in Paris' is moved to the focus position after 'It was'.
Correct the error: 'It was my brother what told me the news.'
Show answer
It was my brother who/that told me the news.
Answer:It was my brother who/that told me the news.
Why:Relative clauses in it-clefts must use 'who' for people or 'that' for people/things, never 'what'.
Rewrite for emphasis on the person: 'The CEO made the final decision.'
Show answer
It was the CEO who/that made the final decision.
Answer:It was the CEO who/that made the final decision.
Why:The subject 'The CEO' is placed between 'It was' and the relative pronoun to provide focus.