Cleft sentences
It was … that…, It wasn't until…, What I need is…, All I want is…
Cleft sentences help you emphasise the most important part of a sentence. You split one sentence into two parts to put the focus where you want it.
It-clefts
It + is / was + the focus + that / who + the rest.
Not until / only when
Very common in Part 4. They stress the moment something happened.
What-clefts and similar
What + clause + is / was + the focus.
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).
UNTIL
It wasn't until I had spoken to the manager that I understood the problem.
It wasn't until + clause + that. Note: 'wasn't' counts as two words.
WHAT
What really annoys me is the noise from the street.
What + clause + is + focus.
WHO
It was Jane who found the keys.
It was + person + who: the focus is on Jane.
Common mistakes
- ✗ What I need it is a holiday.✓ What I need is a holiday.No 'it' before 'is'.
- ✗ It was until midnight that she arrived.✓ It wasn't until midnight that she arrived.'Not until' needs the negative.
- ✗ It were my parents who helped me.✓ It was my parents who helped me.Always 'it is' / 'it was', even with a plural focus.
If the key word is WHAT, UNTIL, ONLY, WHO or ALL, think about emphasis. The meaning of the sentence doesn't change – only the focus does.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.
🇪🇸 Guía en español: Conectores en inglés para el B2 y el C1: lista con ejemplos →