Understanding the Nuances of Cleft Sentences: ‘It’ vs. ‘Wh’ Clauses at C1 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, the use of it-clefts and wh-clefts is essential for emphasizing specific elements within a sentence. Understanding the nuances of these structures can greatly enhance your communication skills.
What are it-clefts? An it-cleft sentence emphasizes a particular subject or element by using the structure ‘It is/was [emphasized element] that/who [rest of the sentence].’ This construction allows the speaker to highlight a specific aspect of the information being conveyed.
Examples of it-clefts:
- It was John who won the award.
- It is the transparency that builds trust.
In these examples, the focus is placed on John and transparency, respectively.
What are wh-clefts? A wh-cleft sentence, on the other hand, begins with a ‘what’ or ‘who’ phrase to emphasize the content of the statement rather than the subject. The structure is ‘What [content] is [rest of the sentence].’
Examples of wh-clefts:
- What impressed me the most was the cinematography.
- What I enjoyed most was the character development.
In these instances, the emphasis is on the cinematography and character development, respectively.
Common mistakes: A frequent error is confusing it-clefts with wh-clefts. Remember, it-clefts emphasize the subject, while wh-clefts focus on the content.
Tips: When constructing sentences, think about what you want to emphasize. If it’s the subject, use an it-cleft. If it’s the content, opt for a wh-cleft.
How to practice: To improve your understanding of these structures, try rewriting sentences using both it-clefts and wh-clefts. This exercise will help you see how the emphasis changes the meaning of the sentence.
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Preguntas frecuentes
What is an it-cleft sentence?
An it-cleft sentence emphasizes a specific subject or element by using the structure ‘It is/was [emphasized element] that/who [rest of the sentence].
What is a wh-cleft sentence?
A wh-cleft sentence begins with ‘what’ or ‘who’ to emphasize the content of the statement rather than the subject.
How do I know when to use an it-cleft?
Use an it-cleft when you want to highlight the subject of the sentence.
How do I know when to use a wh-cleft?
Use a wh-cleft when you want to emphasize the content or information being provided.
Can you provide an example of an it-cleft?
Sure! An example of an it-cleft is: ‘It was the team that won the championship.’
Can you provide an example of a wh-cleft?
Certainly! An example of a wh-cleft is: ‘What I found interesting was the analysis of the data.’
What are the common mistakes when using it-clefts and wh-clefts?
A common mistake is confusing the two; it-clefts emphasize the subject, while wh-clefts focus on the content.
Where can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about it at dimeloeningles.com, a platform designed for learning English with interactive exercises, clear explanations, guided practice, conversation clubs, and close support.
