Unit 2 B | Cleft sentences with what | Passages 2

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on cleft sentences in English, specifically using the word "what" to emphasize particular parts of a sentence. Understanding cleft sentences can enhance your writing and speaking skills by allowing you to highlight important information effectively.

Chapter 1: Understanding Cleft Sentences

Cleft sentences are structured to emphasize specific information within a sentence. The term "cleft" comes from the verb "cleave," meaning to divide into two parts. Here’s how to construct these sentences:

1. Basic Structure:

   • Start with "What" followed by the verb "to be."
   • Example:
     • Original: "A person's smile is really important to me."
     • Cleft: "What's really important to me is a person's smile."

2. Changing Sentence Context:

   • You can convert various sentences by focusing on different elements.
   • Example:
     • Original: "I'm interested in the subjects people talk about."
     • Cleft: "What I'm interested in are the subjects people talk about."

Chapter 2: Emphasizing with Non-Be Verbs

When sentences contain verbs other than "to be," the structure changes slightly:

1. Using "What" at the Beginning:

   • Place "What" at the start and the verb "to be" after the main verb.
   • Example:
     • Original: "I always notice a person's hands."
     • Cleft: "What I always notice is a person's hands."

2. Another Example:

   • Original: "I appreciate a person with a good sense of humor."
   • Cleft: "What I appreciate is a person with a good sense of humor."

Chapter 3: Emphasizing the Whole Sentence

To emphasize the entire sentence rather than just specific parts, use "what" followed by the verb "do":

1. Constructing the Sentence:

   • Example:
     • Original: "I tried to project a positive attitude."
     • Cleft: "What I try to project is a positive attitude."

2. Another Example:

   • Original: "She complained to the waiter about the quality of the food."
   • Cleft: "What she complained about to the waiter was the quality of the food."
   • Full emphasis: "What she did was complain to the waiter about the quality of the food."

Chapter 4: Including Additional Expressions

Cleft structures can include phrases like "the reason why," "the place where," and "the person who":

1. Examples:
   • Original: "I am wearing sunglasses to protect my eyes."
     • Cleft: "The reason why I'm wearing sunglasses is to protect my eyes."
   • Original: "I do all my shopping at the mall."
     • Cleft: "The place where I do all my shopping is at the mall."

Conclusion

Cleft sentences are a powerful tool for emphasizing important information in your writing and speaking. By mastering their structure, you can improve clarity and focus in your communication. Practice creating your own cleft sentences using the examples provided, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. Happy learning!