The Rule
Cleft sentences split a single clause into two parts to place emphasis on a specific element. They are common in presentations, formal writing, and any context where you want to highlight a particular point.
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It-cleft | It + be + emphasised element + that/who clause | It was the pricing that put off the client. |
| Wh-cleft (pseudo-cleft) | What + clause + be + emphasised element | What we need is a clearer strategy. |
| Reversed wh-cleft | Emphasised element + be + what + clause | A clearer strategy is what we need. |
| All-cleft | All + subject + verb + be + infinitive | All I need is more time to review it. |
Clefts are especially useful in presentations and negotiations:
"What we are proposing is a phased approach." (highlights the proposal)
"It is the quality, not the price, that differentiates us." (highlights the key factor)
"What I'd like to focus on today is the data." (signals structure)
Note tense agreement:
✗ It is the CEO who approved it. → depends on whether he is still CEO
✓ It was the CEO who approved it. (past event)
"What we are proposing is a phased approach." (highlights the proposal)
"It is the quality, not the price, that differentiates us." (highlights the key factor)
"What I'd like to focus on today is the data." (signals structure)
Note tense agreement:
✗ It is the CEO who approved it. → depends on whether he is still CEO
✓ It was the CEO who approved it. (past event)
Common Mistakes
It is the quality what differentiates our product.
It is the quality that differentiates our product.
What we need it is a longer timeline for this project.
What we need is a longer timeline for this project.
It was the client who did reject the first proposal.
It was the client who rejected the first proposal. (no 'did')
What concerns me is the budget is too low.
What concerns me is that the budget is too low.
Gap Fill — Press Enter to Check
Error Correction
Multiple Choice
Put the Words in the Correct Order
Sentence Transformation — Press Enter to Check
Conversation Practice
1
Use cleft sentences in a short presentation opener: 'What I'd like to talk about today is...' / 'It is X that we need to focus on...'
2
Practise emphasis in a negotiation: 'What we are offering is...' / 'It is the quality, not the price, that...'
3
Describe a problem at work using 'It was... that caused...' and 'What we need is...'
Homework
Rewrite these 5 sentences using cleft structures to add emphasis: (1) The deadline caused the problem. (2) We need better communication. (3) The finance team approved the budget. (4) I just want a clear answer. (5) The data surprised everyone.