Speaking: Grammar in Speaking C1
Using Advanced Grammatical Structures with Flexibility (Inversion, Clefts)
Listen to the examples here.
Why Sound "Advanced"?
At a C1 level, grammar isn't just about being correct; it's about being flexible. Using advanced structures like inversion and clefts allows you to control *what* your listener focuses on. It's the difference between simply stating a fact and telling an engaging story or making a powerful argument.
Tool 1: Inversion (for Emphasis & Formality)
Inversion means swapping the subject and the auxiliary verb. We use it in speaking for dramatic effect or in formal arguments, especially after negative or limiting adverbs.
| Standard Sentence (Neutral) | Emphatic Sentence (Inversion) |
|---|---|
| I have rarely seen such a beautiful sunset. | Rarely have I seen such a beautiful sunset. |
| She not only passed the exam, but she also got the top score. | Not only did she pass the exam, but she also got the top score. |
| I had no sooner sat down than the phone rang. | No sooner had I sat down than the phone rang. |
| If I had known you were coming, I would have baked a cake. | Had I known you were coming, I would have baked a cake. |
Tool 2: Cleft Sentences (for Focus)
Cleft (or "split") sentences are extremely common in speech. We use them to "split" a sentence to put a spotlight on the most important piece of information.
It-Clefts (Focus on a Noun)
Structure: It + is/was + [FOCUS] + that/who...
It was my manager who approved the project yesterday. (Focus on the person)
It was yesterday that my manager approved the project. (Focus on the time)
What-Clefts (Focus on an Action or Thing)
Structure: What + ... + is/was + [FOCUS]
What we need is better communication. (Focus on the thing)
What we need to do is communicate better. (Focus on the action)
Pronunciation Tip
🗣️ Intonation of Emphatic Structures
The entire point of these structures is emphasis, so your intonation is critical. The main sentence stress and highest pitch should fall on the part you are focusing on.
- Cleft: "It wasn't me, it was JOHN↗ who broke the window." (Your voice peaks on JOHN).
- Inversion: "RARELY↗ have I been so disappointed." (Your voice peaks on RARELY).
Practice saying them. Feel the "spotlight" move as you change the stress.
Practice Your Structures 🎯
Activity: Rephrase for Emphasis (Self-Check)
Read the "standard" sentence. Rephrase it using the structure given in the prompt. Try to say it aloud, *then* click "Show Answer" to check your grammar.
1. Standard: "I only understood the problem when I spoke to her."
Rephrase using: Not until...
Show Answer
Not until I spoke to her did I understand the problem.
2. Standard: "The marketing team, not the sales team, is responsible for this."
Rephrase using: It is...
Show Answer
It's the marketing team that is responsible for this (not the sales team).
3. Standard: "I am worried about the deadline."
Rephrase using: What...
Show Answer
What I'm worried about is the deadline.
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
- Inversion The technique of reversing the normal word order (Subject-Verb) to (Verb-Subject) for emphasis.
- Cleft Sentence A sentence that is "split" into two parts to put focus on one element.
- Emphasis Special importance, value, or stress given to something.
- Sophistication Having a high level of complexity, nuance, and style.
- Nuance A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
- Flexibility The ability to change or be changed easily according to the situation.
Your Mission: The Politician's Speech ⭐
Your mission is to write and deliver a short, powerful speech on a topic you care about (e.g., climate change, city traffic, education reform).
Your 1-minute speech must include:
- At least one Inversion (e.g., "Rarely have we faced such a challenge...").
- At least one Cleft Sentence (e.g., "What we must do is act now...").
Record yourself delivering the speech. Pay close attention to your intonation. Do you sound emphatic and convincing?