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Grammar referencec2
Word Order
Cleft and Cleft-Like Sentences
Moving the focus with it and what.
Explanation
A cleft sentence splits one clause into two to highlight a particular element. It plus be plus the focus plus a relative clause highlights the subject or adverbial, while what plus be highlights a whole idea. Overusing them weakens academic prose.
Examples
- It was the delay that caused the loss.
- What we need is a clearer brief.
- It is in the third chapter that the argument turns.
Common mistakes
It was the delay caused the loss.
It was the delay that caused the loss.
The cleft needs a relative clause.
What we need a clearer brief.
What we need is a clearer brief.
What plus be needs is.
It is in the third chapter the argument turns.
It is in the third chapter that the argument turns.
Keep the connective.