Grammar: Advanced Sentence Structures
C1 Lesson 2: Complex Cleft Sentences
Why It Matters: Adding Emphasis
At the C1 level, you can make your communication more precise and dynamic by highlighting the exact piece of information you want your audience to focus on.
I came to Siem Reap because I wanted to see Angkor Wat.
Why I came to Siem Reap was to see Angkor Wat.
Advanced Emphasis Structures 📖
These patterns allow you to control what the listener or reader pays attention to.
1. Advanced Wh-Clefts
Use Wh-words like 'Why', 'Where', and 'Who' to start a cleft sentence and emphasize a specific part of your message.
Simple: "I came to Siem Reap because I wanted to see Angkor Wat."
Emphasizing Reason: "Why I came to Siem Reap was to see Angkor Wat."
Simple: "We had dinner at a wonderful restaurant on Pub Street."
Emphasizing Place: "Where we had dinner was a wonderful restaurant on Pub Street."
2. Other Structures with 'be'
You can create a similar emphatic effect using common noun phrases.
- The reason why... is that...
"The reason why I'm studying hard is that I want to get a scholarship." - The person who... is...
"The person who told me about this cafe was my best friend." - The place where... is...
"The place where you can see the best sunrise is on top of Angkor Wat."
💡 Pro Tip: Formality and Usage
Cleft sentences are very common in spoken English to add emphasis. In formal academic writing, use them selectively. They are particularly effective for making a direct contrast or correction (e.g., "It wasn't the cost that was the problem; it was the timeline.").
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Create the Emphasis
Rewrite these simple sentences using the target emphasis structure.
- Emphasize the place: "I bought this beautiful scarf at the Old Market." (Use "Where...")
→ Where I bought this beautiful scarf was at the Old Market. - Emphasize the reason: "She moved to Siem Reap because she got a job in the hotel industry." (Use "The reason why...")
→ The reason why she moved to Siem Reap is that she got a job in the hotel industry. - Emphasize the first step: "You must buy an entrance pass first." (Use "The first thing...")
→ The first thing you must do is buy an entrance pass.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Emphasize Your Life
Answer the following questions using the target emphasis structure from the lesson.
- What is one thing you want to achieve this year? (Start with "What I want to achieve is...")
(Example: What I want to achieve this year is to improve my professional skills.) - Why did you decide to learn English? (Start with "The reason why I decided...")
(Example: The reason why I decided to learn English is that it opens up more career opportunities.)
Key Vocabulary
- Emphasis Special importance, value, or attention given to something.
- Cleft Sentence A sentence that is "split" into two parts to put emphasis on one element.
- Dynamic Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
- Structure The arrangement of the parts of something complex.