Understanding Cleft Sentences
Cleft sentences are a grammatical structure used to emphasize a particular part of a sentence. They create a specific focus that might not be achieved with a simple sentence structure.
Types of Cleft Sentences
There are two main types of cleft sentences:
- It-clefts: These start with ‘it’ followed by a form of the verb ‘to be,’ the emphasized element, and a relative clause (usually starting with ‘that’ or ‘who’).
- Wh-clefts: These begin with a wh-word (like ‘what,’ ‘where,’ ‘when’) followed by a form of ‘to be,’ the emphasized element, and a clause.
Key Concepts
The primary function of cleft sentences is focus. By using this structure, the speaker or writer directs the listener’s or reader’s attention to a specific piece of information.
Deep Dive: It-Clefts
An it-cleft sentence has the form:
It + be + emphasized element + relative clause
Example:
Original: John broke the window.
It-cleft: It was John who broke the window.
This emphasizes ‘John’ as the person who performed the action.
Deep Dive: Wh-Clefts
A wh-cleft sentence has the form:
Wh-word + be + emphasized element + clause
Example:
Original: I want a cup of coffee.
Wh-cleft: What I want is a cup of coffee.
This emphasizes ‘a cup of coffee’ as the desired item.
Applications and Usage
Cleft sentences are useful for:
- Clarifying information in response to a question.
- Adding emphasis in writing or speech.
- Creating contrast.
Challenges and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that cleft sentences are overly complex or informal. However, they are a standard grammatical tool used in both spoken and written English for specific rhetorical effects.
FAQs
Q: Are cleft sentences grammatically correct?
A: Yes, they are grammatically correct and serve an important function in emphasizing information.
Q: When should I use a cleft sentence?
A: Use them when you want to strongly emphasize a particular piece of information within a sentence.