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Grammar Lessons

Cleft Sentences & Emphasis Structures

What Really Matters

Cleft sentences split a sentence in two to put the spotlight on one specific part — making it the most important piece of information. They make your speech more precise, emphatic, and sophisticated.

Advanced · C1 Lesson ready

Grammar Focus

Highlighting what matters most — two main types.

It-clefts

Use It is/was… that/who… to highlight the most important part of a sentence.

It is It is [focus] that/who [rest] — "It is honesty that I care about most."
It was It was [focus] that changed everything — "It was that one conversation that changed everything."

Wh-clefts (pseudo-clefts)

Use What… is/was… to give extra weight to the second part of the sentence.

What What I [verb] is [focus] — "What I stand for is the right to speak your mind."
What What [subject] needs is [focus] — "What the system needs is transparency, not secrecy."
The reason The reason [subject] [verb] is that… — "The reason I fight for this is that I've seen what happens when no one does."

Vocabulary in Context

Six phrasal verbs for values, identity, and purpose. Each example uses a cleft structure.

01

stand for

Meaning

To represent or be a strong advocate for a value, principle, or belief.

Example

"What I stand for is the idea that every person deserves to be treated with dignity."

Conversation questions

  • What is it that you stand for most strongly? Would others know this about you?
  • Is there something an organisation or leader stands for that you deeply disagree with?
02

care about

Meaning

To feel that something is important and worthy of your attention and concern.

Example

"It is the people around me that I care about more than anything I've achieved professionally."

Conversation questions

  • What is it that you care about most deeply — and has that changed over time?
  • Is there something you used to care about that no longer feels important? What changed?
03

fight for

Meaning

To put in significant effort or take a stand to defend or achieve something you believe in.

Example

"The reason I fight for this is that I've seen what happens when nobody does."

Conversation questions

  • What is it that you would fight for — even if it meant going against the majority?
  • Is there something worth fighting for that people in your community tend to overlook?
04

go after

Meaning

To actively pursue something you want — a goal, a person, an opportunity.

Example

"What I've learned is that it's the things you go after — not the things that fall in your lap — that mean the most."

Conversation questions

  • What is it that you're going after right now? What's driving you?
  • Is there something you've been meaning to go after but keep finding reasons to delay?
05

hold on to

Meaning

To keep or retain something — a value, a belief, a relationship — and not let it go.

Example

"What I hold on to, even when things are hard, is the belief that effort is never wasted."

Conversation questions

  • What is it that you hold on to when life feels uncertain or difficult?
  • Is there a belief or value you hold on to that the people around you don't fully share?
06

put first

Meaning

To prioritise something above everything else.

Example

"It is my family that I put first — not because I have to, but because I choose to."

Conversation questions

  • What is it that you put first in your life? Is that always easy to maintain?
  • Is there something you know you should put first more often but find yourself neglecting?

Conversation Practice

Questions grouped by theme. Use cleft structures in your answers — It is… that…, What I… is…, The reason I… is that… — to emphasise the most important part of what you're saying.

Personal Values

  • What is it that you care about most — and has that always been true?
  • It is [something] that defines who I am. What would you put in that gap?
  • What is it that you stand for that you would never compromise on?

Goals & Direction

  • What is it that you are going after right now — and why this, why now?
  • The reason I do what I do is… — complete this sentence honestly.
  • What is it that your work or life should ultimately stand for?

What Defines You

  • What is it that you hold on to even when everything else changes?
  • It was [one moment or person] that shaped who I am most. What was it for you?
  • What is it that you would put first if you had to choose between all the things you value?