Cleft sentences split a simple sentence into two parts to emphasize specific information. Advanced cleft structures allow writers to highlight particular elements, create contrast, or add emphasis in formal and academic writing.
Quick tip: Use 'It is/was...that' to emphasize nouns or phrases; use 'What...is/was' to emphasize actions or concepts.
Reversed pseudo-clefts
Place the emphasized element first, followed by is what + clause. Creates dramatic emphasis.
Additional funding is what we need most.
Your support is what has made this possible.
Innovation is what will determine our success.
Negative clefts for contrast
Use It isn't/wasn't X that... to clarify what is NOT the case before stating what IS.
It wasn't the budget that was the problem, it was the timeline.
It isn't the cost that concerns me, it's the quality.
It wasn't her fault that the project failed.
Complex clefts in academic/formal writing
Use It is for/because of/based on this X that... in academic and professional contexts.
It is for this reason that we must reconsider.
It is based on these findings that we propose changes.
It is precisely this issue that needs investigation.
Common mistakes
Not "Additional funding is that we need." — say "Additional funding is what we need.". Reversed pseudo-clefts use 'what', not 'that'.
Not "It is for this reason what we must reconsider." — say "It is for this reason that we must reconsider.". Complex it-clefts use 'that' after the focused element.
Not "It wasn't the budget what was the problem." — say "It wasn't the budget that was the problem.". Negative clefts use 'that' (not 'what') after the focused element.
Practise it
Take a simple sentence and try both structures: 'It was X that...' and 'What Y is...' to see which creates the emphasis you want.