Have you ever wanted to emphasize one part of your sentence — to highlight who, what, or where something happened — just like native speakers do naturally? Then it’s time to discover the power of cleft sentences.
What Is a Cleft Sentence?
A cleft sentence is a special way to split a sentence into two parts to make one idea stand out.
The word “cleft” means split or divided, and that’s exactly what happens to your sentence.
Normal sentence:
John broke the vase.
Cleft sentence:
It was John who broke the vase.
See the difference?
Both mean the same thing — but the cleft version emphasizes John. It draws the listener’s attention, making your speech more focused and dramatic.
Why Use a Cleft Sentence?
Cleft sentences help you:
-
Emphasize important information
→ “It was yesterday that I saw him.” (not another day) -
Correct or clarify
→ “It wasn’t Tom who called, it was Jerry.” -
Add emotion or surprise
→ “It was you who saved the day!”
They’re common in spoken English, storytelling, and formal writing.
Common Types of Cleft Sentences
1. It-cleft
This is the most common type.
Structure: It + be + emphasized part + clause
Examples:
-
It was the manager who made the decision.
-
It’s at night that she studies best.
-
It was because of the rain that the match was postponed.
2. Wh-cleft (or Pseudo-cleft)
Structure: What + clause + be + emphasized part
Examples:
-
What I need is a short break.
-
What she hates most is being ignored.
-
What made me angry was his attitude.
This type often sounds more thoughtful or reflective — perfect for essays and formal discussions.
3. All-cleft / Where-cleft / When-cleft
Used less often, but they make your writing sound richer.
Examples:
-
All I want is some peace and quiet.
-
Where we met was in a tiny café in Kyoto.
-
When I realized the truth was too late.
Cleft Sentences in Action
Notice how cleft sentences change tone and emotion:
| Normal Sentence | Cleft Sentence | Emphasis |
|---|---|---|
| I met her at the airport. | It was at the airport that I met her. | Place |
| She helped me. | It was she who helped me. | Subject |
| He left because of stress. | It was because of stress that he left. | Reason |
Cleft sentences may look complex at first, but once you get used to them, they become one of your best tools for emphasis and expression.
So next time you want to make your point crystal clear — or sound more like a native speaker — try saying:
“It was you who started it!” ????
Source:
https://www.google.com/search?q=menarik+in+english&sca_esv=22ba81e451891b26&sxsrf=AE3TifNlcNyAICzbfWXW9AN7nASt5eQIyQ%3A1762307149187&source=hp&ei=TawKab77CP-L4-EPu9Hb4Qo&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaQq6Xb-LGnleu6Z65TmWtZgdGREdEogu&oq=menarik+&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IghtZW5hcmlrICoCCAAyCBAAGIAEGMsBMggQABiABBjLATIIEAAYgAQYywEyCBAAGIAEGMsBMggQABiABBjLATIIEAAYgAQYywEyCBAAGIAEGMsBMggQABiABBjLATIIEAAYgAQYywEyCBAAGIAEGMsBSNgVUABY7w5wAHgAkAEAmAF5oAGbBaoBAzYuMrgBA8gBAPgBAZgCCKACzQXCAgwQIxiABBgTGCcYigXCAgoQIxjwBRgnGMkCwgIHEAAYgAQYE8ICEhAjGPAFGIAEGBMYJxjJAhiKBcICBBAjGCeYAwCSBwM2LjKgB6QvsgcDNi4yuAfNBcIHBzAuMi41LjHIByU&sclient=gws-wiz