What are Cleft Sentences in English?
Basic English sentences follow a standard order, making it hard to emphasize one specific piece of information without using voice inflection. Cleft sentences solve this problem in written English. The word "cleft" means "divided." A cleft sentence takes a simple sentence and explicitly divides it into two clauses, each with its own verb, to throw a spotlight onto a specific element. This elegant restructuring is a hallmark of advanced, persuasive, and academic writing.
Cleft Sentences Structure and Formula
There are several variations of cleft sentences, each designed to highlight different elements like the subject, the object, an action, or a location.
1. It-Clefts
The most common type of cleft sentence. It can emphasize almost any noun or prepositional phrase in the sentence except the verb.
- Standard Formula: It + be (is/was) + [Emphasized Word] + that/who(m) + [Rest of sentence]
- Base Sentence: John (S) broke (V) the window (O) yesterday (Time).
- Emphasizing Subject: It was John who broke the window yesterday.
- Emphasizing Object: It was the window that John broke yesterday.
- Emphasizing Time: It was yesterday that John broke the window.
2. Wh-Clefts (Pseudo-Clefts)
These sentences use a Wh-clause (usually starting with What) at the beginning to isolate an entire action, object, or concept.
- Standard Formula: What + [Subject + Verb] + be (is/was) + [Emphasized Word/Action]
- Base Sentence: I (S) need (V) a new car (O).
- Emphasizing Object: What I need is a new car.
- Emphasizing Action (using "to do"): What I want to do is drop out.
3. Reverse Wh-Clefts
Essentially a Wh-cleft flipped around. The emphasized element comes first.
- Standard Formula: [Emphasized Word/Action] + be (is/was) + What + [Subject + Verb]
- Example: A new car is what I need.
- Example: Quitting is what he wants to do.
4. All-Clefts
Used to emphasize the absolute only thing that matters or happened.
- Standard Formula: All + (that) + [Subject + Verb] + be (is/was) + [Emphasized Word/Action]
- Base Sentence: He just wants to sleep.
- Example: All (that) he wants to do is sleep.
5. Other Emphasizing Structures
Sometimes we use specific introductory phrases to isolate a reason, place, or person.
* The reason why... is that... (The reason why he left is that he was sick.)
* The place where... is... (The place where we met is a park.)
* The person who... is... (The person who can help is John.)
How to Tell the Difference Between Clefts and Standard Sentences
The easiest way to identify a cleft sentence is to see if "It is/It was" or "What" can be stripped away to leave a complete, grammatically sound basic sentence.
* Cleft Focus: It was his attitude that annoyed me.
* Stripped to Basic SVO: His attitude annoyed me.
Because cleft sentences are essentially artificially expanded sentences, they are used sparingly for maximum effect.
When to Use Cleft Sentences
- To Clarify a Misunderstanding: A: Did you lose your wallet? B: No, it was my keys that I lost.
- To Build Drama: A loud noise happened. What followed was total chaos.
- In Academic Arguments: * It is the underlying data that provides the clearest proof.*
Real-life Examples of Cleft Sentences Usage
- Literature: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." (Stylistic emphasis).
- Everyday Speech: "All I'm saying is that we need more time."
- Debate: "What the opposition fails to understand is the economic impact."
Summary & Cheatsheet for Cleft Sentences
| Cleft Type | Dual-Syntax Formula | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|
| It-cleft (Subject) | It is + S + who + V + O | It is Mary who bakes. |
| It-cleft (Time/Place) | It is + Prep Phrase + that + Clause | It was in 1999 that he died. |
| Wh-cleft (Action) | What + S + do + is + V1 | What we did was run. |
| Reverse Wh-cleft | Emphasized element + is + what + S + V | Running is what we did. |
| All-cleft | All + S + V + is + [focus] | All he needs is love. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use "It is I" or "It is me"?
Strictly speaking, formal grammar requires the subject pronoun after the verb 'to be' (It is I who called you). However, modern conversational English overwhelmingly favors the object pronoun (It was me who called you). In standardized tests and formal writing, stick to "It is I/he/she."
Can I use "when" or "where" in an It-cleft?
No, this is a very common mistake. Even if you are emphasizing a time or place, you must use that (or sometimes which/who), not when or where.
Incorrect: It was yesterday when I saw him.
Correct: It was yesterday that I saw him.
Why is "that" sometimes missing in cleft sentences?
In spoken English, the relative pronoun that is frequently dropped in Wh-clefts and All-clefts if it is not the subject of the emphasized clause. For example, All (that) I want is peace. However, in It-clefts, the that / who is mandatory.