In this lesson, we will explore Cleft Sentences with a focus on the use of “What.” Cleft sentences are a powerful tool in English that allow you to emphasize specific parts of a sentence. Let’s dive into the details!
What Are Cleft Sentences?
Cleft sentences are used to highlight or emphasize a particular part of a sentence. They divide the sentence into two parts to draw attention to what is most important.
Structure of “What” Cleft Sentences:
A “What” cleft sentence typically follows this structure:
What + Subject + Verb + is/was + Emphasized Element
For example:
- What she loves is chocolate cake.
Here, the emphasis is on chocolate cake.
When to Use “What” Cleft Sentences
You can use “What” cleft sentences in various situations, such as:
- To emphasize a noun or noun phrase.
- Example: What I need is a good night’s sleep.
- To clarify or restate information.
- Example: What he said was surprising.
- To focus on the subject or object of the sentence.
- Example: What they bought was an expensive watch.
Examples of “What” Cleft Sentences
Let’s look at some examples to better understand how “What” cleft sentences work:
| Original Sentence | Cleft Sentence (Emphasized Part) |
|---|---|
| She loves chocolate cake. | What she loves is chocolate cake. |
| He needs a new laptop for his studies. | What he needs is a new laptop for his studies. |
| The students found the exam difficult. | What the students found was the exam difficult. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using “What” cleft sentences, be careful not to make these common mistakes:
- Incorrect verb form: Always ensure the verb agrees with the subject.
- Incorrect: What she love is chocolate cake.
- Correct: What she loves is chocolate cake.
- Missing emphasis: Remember that the purpose of a cleft sentence is to emphasize something, so don’t forget to stress the correct part.
- Incorrect: What he bought was a book. (No emphasis)
- Correct: What he bought was a book.
(Emphasis on “a book”)
Why Use “What” Cleft Sentences?
Using “What” cleft sentences helps you:
- Add clarity to your communication.
- Highlight the most important part of your message.
- Sound more natural and fluent in English.
Summary
In summary, “What” cleft sentences are a great way to emphasize nouns or noun phrases in English. By restructuring your sentences, you can make your point clearer and more impactful. Practice using them in your daily conversations and writing to master this advanced grammar structure.