The Power of Focus: Using Cleft Sentences (C2 Level)
C2 English :Cleft Sentences The Power of Focus: Using Cleft Sentences (C2 Level) In advanced English, it’s not just about what you say, but how you emphasize the most important part of your message. If you want to highlight a specific detail, Cleft Sentences are your best friend. " Cleft " means divided. We take a simple sentence and split it into two parts to give it more "punch." 1. It-Clefts This is the most common way to focus on a specific noun or pronoun. Normal : John broke the window. Cleft: It was John who broke the window. (Focusing on who did it, not just the action.) Structure: It + be + emphasized word/phrase + who/that... Example: "It was only after the meeting that I realized my mistake." 2. Wh-Clefts (Pseudo-clefts) These sentences often start with "What" and are used to focus on an entire clause or an action. Normal: I need a strong coffee. Cleft: What I need is a strong coffee. (Focusing on the object of my need....