Understanding the Difference Between Cleft Sentences: ‘It’ vs. ‘Wh’ Clauses at B2 Level
In this activity, you will see around 10 sentences with a blank space. Your task is to choose the correct option from 3 possible answers. Only one is correct. At the end, you will see a summary with the correct answers and explanations, so you can learn and improve. Good luck!
In English grammar, cleft sentences are structures that allow us to emphasize a particular part of a sentence. They can be divided into two main types: it-cleft sentences and wh-cleft sentences. Understanding how to use these structures can greatly enhance your ability to convey meaning and focus in your writing and speech.
What is an it-cleft sentence? An it-cleft sentence is a construction that begins with ‘It is’ or ‘It was’, followed by the element that is being emphasized. This structure helps to highlight a specific part of the sentence. For example:
- It was John who won the competition. (Emphasizes John as the winner)
- It was last summer that we traveled to Spain. (Emphasizes the time of travel)
What is a wh-cleft sentence? A wh-cleft sentence starts with a wh-word (such as ‘what’ or ‘who’) and is used to introduce the information that is being emphasized. For example:
- What I really enjoy is hiking in the mountains. (Emphasizes the activity of hiking)
- Who you should talk to is the manager. (Emphasizes the manager as the person to talk to)
Common mistakes: One common mistake is using cleft sentences when they are not necessary. For instance, saying ‘It was my friend who helped me’ when a simple sentence like ‘My friend helped me’ would suffice. Overusing cleft structures can make your writing sound awkward.
Tips for using cleft sentences: Use cleft sentences to add emphasis and clarity when you want to highlight a specific part of your message. They are particularly useful in conversations and writing where the focus needs to be clear.
How to practice: To practice using cleft sentences, try rewriting simple sentences into cleft structures. For example, take the sentence ‘She loves music’ and transform it into ‘It is music that she loves’ or ‘What she loves is music.’ This exercise will help you become more comfortable with these structures.
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Preguntas frecuentes
What is the purpose of using it-cleft sentences?
It-cleft sentences are used to emphasize a specific part of the sentence, making it clear what the speaker wants to highlight.
Can you give an example of a wh-cleft sentence?
Sure! An example of a wh-cleft sentence is ‘What I need is a good book to read.’ This emphasizes the need for a good book.
How do I identify an it-cleft sentence?
An it-cleft sentence typically starts with ‘It is’ or ‘It was’, followed by the emphasized part of the sentence.
What are some common mistakes with cleft sentences?
Common mistakes include overusing cleft structures or using them when simpler sentences would be clearer.
How can I practice using cleft sentences?
You can practice by rewriting simple sentences into cleft structures to emphasize different parts of the information.
Are cleft sentences formal or informal?
Cleft sentences can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the emphasis needed.
What is the difference between it-cleft and wh-cleft sentences?
It-cleft sentences emphasize a specific part of the sentence using ‘it’, while wh-cleft sentences use a wh-word to introduce the emphasized information.
Where can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about it at dimeloeningles.com, a platform for learning English that offers interactive exercises, clear explanations, guided practice, conversation clubs, and close support.
