Rewrite for emphasis on the location: 'The accident happened right outside the school.'

It was right outside the school that the accident happened.

Rewrite using a pseudo-cleft: 'I hate the constant noise in the city.'

What I hate is the constant noise in the city.

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

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

Cleft sentences (advanced)

C1 Advanced

Cleft sentences restructure a clause to emphasize a specific piece of information by using a dummy subject and a relative clause. They are essential for managing information flow and contrast in formal and academic English.

Function and Usage

Cleft sentences divide a single clause into two parts to highlight a specific element, such as the subject, object, or adverbial phrase. It-clefts focus on a specific noun or pronoun, while pseudo-clefts (using what-clauses) focus on an entire phrase or action. These structures are common in academic writing and formal speech to correct misunderstandings or provide clear contrast.

It-Clefts

It + is/was + [emphasized element] + that/who clause

The it-cleft focuses on the element immediately following the verb to be. It is frequently used to contrast one idea with another.

Pseudo-Clefts

What-clause + is/was + [emphasized element]

Pseudo-clefts use a nominal relative clause (usually starting with what) as the subject. They are often used to emphasize the object or the action of the sentence.

Examples

Common mistakes

What I need it is a holiday.
What I need is a holiday.
Do not include a pronoun like 'it' after the verb 'to be' in a pseudo-cleft sentence.
It was in 2010 when the company was founded.
It was in 2010 that the company was founded.
In it-clefts, 'that' is preferred over 'when' or 'where', even when referring to time or place.

Practice

Rewrite for emphasis on the location: 'The accident happened right outside the school.'
Show answer
It was right outside the school that the accident happened.
Answer:It was right outside the school that the accident happened.
Why:The it-cleft structure 'It + was + [place] + that' successfully moves the focus to the location.
Rewrite using a pseudo-cleft: 'I hate the constant noise in the city.'
Show answer
What I hate is the constant noise in the city.
Answer:What I hate is the constant noise in the city.
Why:The what-clause acts as the subject to highlight 'the constant noise' as the specific object of dislike.
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:In it-clefts, 'what' cannot be used as a relative pronoun; 'who' or 'that' must be used for people.