CLEFT SENTENCES | advanced complex sentences in English + TEST!

Summary

In this lesson, the instructor, Arnel, explains cleft sentences, a grammatical structure used to emphasize or correct information. The video covers three main types: 'It' cleft, 'Wh' cleft, and 'All' cleft sentences, with numerous examples to illustrate their use. Arnel also highlights how these sentences can vary in structure, including the removal of relative pronouns in informal contexts, and how they are commonly used in both spoken and written English. By the end, viewers are encouraged to test their understanding with a quiz and share their results.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cleft sentences are used to emphasize information or correct someone in a conversation or written text.
• 😀 'Cleft' means divided, and in grammar, it refers to dividing a sentence to emphasize new information or highlight old, known information.
• 😀 The structure of a cleft sentence is: 'It + be + main focus', where the 'main focus' is the new or emphasized information.
• 😀 Cleft sentences are especially useful in spoken English for emphasis and in writing to convey emphasis where voice or facial expressions can't be used.
• 😀 'It cleft sentences' focus on placing emphasis on a particular piece of information, such as 'It was my passport she dropped.'
• 😀 We can use relative pronouns like 'who', 'which', or 'that' in cleft sentences to add more detail about people or things.
• 😀 In cleft sentences, we can sometimes omit the relative pronoun when it functions as the object of the verb, such as in 'It was my passport she dropped.'
• 😀 'Wh cleft sentences' are based on words like 'who', 'what', 'when', 'where', 'why', and 'how', and they emphasize the main information at the end of the sentence.
• 😀 You can reverse the parts of a cleft sentence to create variety, such as 'What you need is a drink' or 'A drink is what you need.'
• 😀 Emotional verbs like 'need', 'want', 'love', and 'enjoy' are often used in cleft sentences to add emphasis, especially in songs or casual contexts.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of cleft sentences?

Cleft sentences are used to emphasize information or to correct someone. They divide a sentence into new information and old, known information.

What does the word 'cleft' mean in the context of grammar?

In grammar, 'cleft' means divided, just like a cleft chin, where there is a noticeable divide. A cleft sentence divides the information into old and new parts.

What are the most common types of cleft sentences discussed in the lesson?

The most common types of cleft sentences discussed in the lesson are 'it cleft sentences', 'wh cleft sentences', and 'all cleft sentences'.

Can you explain the structure of an 'it cleft sentence'?

An 'it cleft sentence' follows the structure: 'It + be + main focus + that/which/who clause', where the main focus is emphasized and typically contains new information.

What happens if you remove the relative pronoun from a cleft sentence?

In informal situations, you can remove the relative pronoun in a cleft sentence if it functions as the object of the verb. For example, 'It was my passport she dropped' (without 'that').

How do you form a 'wh cleft sentence' and what is its purpose?

'Wh cleft sentences' are formed by using a 'wh' word (what, who, where, etc.) at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject, verb, and 'be'. These sentences emphasize new information, such as 'What we need is more funding'.

What is the difference between 'it cleft' and 'wh cleft' sentences?

In an 'it cleft sentence', the main information comes after 'it', while in a 'wh cleft sentence', the main information comes at the end. Both structures emphasize new information, but their phrasing is different.

Can 'wh cleft sentences' be reversed? Provide an example.

Yes, 'wh cleft sentences' can be reversed for emphasis. For example, 'More funding is what we need' is a valid rephrasing of 'What we need is more funding'.

What happens to the verb when a cleft sentence includes a plural noun?

Even if the noun in a cleft sentence is plural, the verb 'be' remains singular (is/was). For example, 'Photo ops is what they need,' where 'photo ops' is plural, but 'is' is used.

What is the purpose of 'all cleft sentences' and where are they commonly used?

'All cleft sentences' are used to emphasize a specific piece of information, often for emotional effect. They are commonly found in songs and expressive statements, such as 'All I want is more sleep.'