Cleft Sentences with "What" (Unit 20K, Level B2)
Cleft sentences with "what" are a useful tool in English for emphasizing a specific part of a sentence. This structure allows us to highlight the most important information by breaking the sentence into two parts. The first part begins with "what" and introduces the focus, while the second part completes the idea.
For example, instead of saying "She loves chocolate," we can use a cleft sentence to emphasize her love for chocolate: "What she loves is chocolate." Here, the emphasis shifts to the fact that it is specifically chocolate that she loves. This structure is particularly effective in conversations when you want to make sure your listener understands the key point you are making.
Cleft sentences with "what" can also help clarify your message, making it more precise. If you say, "I need a vacation," you might be expressing a general desire. But if you say, "What I need is a vacation," you are clearly stating that a vacation is exactly what you need, leaving no room for doubt.
In summary, cleft sentences with "what" are a simple yet powerful way to make your message stand out, ensuring that the most important part of your sentence gets the attention it deserves.