B2 · 中上級 チャプター 11

洗練された英語へ！表現に磨きをかける文構造と強調のテクニック

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51 例文
6 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of emphasis and efficiency to elevate your English communication to a professional level.

  • Structure sentences with dummy subjects and clefts for impact.
  • Apply emphatic verbs to clarify your intentions.
  • Simplify complex ideas using participle clauses and ellipsis.
Command attention with every sentence you craft.

学べること

中級から上級へとステップアップする準備はいいですか？この章では、単に情報を伝えるだけでなく、聞き手の心をつかむ「洗練された英語」をマスターします。まず、「It's important to...」のような形式主語や、「What I need is...」といった強調構文を学び、伝えたいポイントを魔法のように際立たせる方法を身につけます。さらに、助動詞の「do/did」をあえて使って「本当にそうなの！」と感情を乗せる技も伝授します。また、より知的な印象を与えるために欠かせないのが、文をスッキリさせる技術です。分詞構文や、同じ言葉の繰り返しを避ける「省略・代用」を使いこなすことで、冗長な説明を卒業し、ネイティブのような流れるリズムで話せるようになります。プレゼンで「私が本当に言いたいのは…」と説得力を持って答えたり、友人との深い会話で洗練された表現を添えたり。この章を終える頃には、あなたの英語はより自信に満ちたものになっているはずです。さあ、一緒に磨きをかけていきましょう！

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use the dummy 'it' to introduce impersonal opinions naturally.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Construct 'What' clefts to emphasize specific information.

チャプターガイド

Overview

As you navigate the upper-intermediate stages of your English journey, you're likely feeling ready to move beyond just being understood and start truly *expressing* yourself with clarity and impact. This chapter on advanced sentence structure and focus is your key to unlocking a more natural, polished, and powerful English voice. For B2 English grammar learners, mastering these techniques isn't just about correctness; it's about making your communication more efficient and engaging.
We'll dive into how native speakers subtly shift emphasis and streamline their ideas, allowing you to craft sentences that captivate your audience. You'll learn to balance your sentences with the Dummy 'It', add conviction with Emphatic do/does/did, spotlight crucial information using 'What' Clefts, and achieve impressive conciseness with Participle Clauses. By integrating these tools, you’ll find your ability to interact fluently with native speakers will feel much more effortless and authentic.
Get ready to elevate your writing and speaking to the next level, ensuring your message always hits home.

How This Grammar Works

These grammar points work together to give you greater control over how you present information in English, allowing you to add emphasis, improve clarity, and make your sentences more efficient.
First, the Dummy 'It' helps you manage sentence flow, especially when your subject is a long phrase or clause. Instead of saying,
To understand these complex rules quickly is challenging,
which feels a bit heavy at the start, you can rephrase it as, "It's challenging to understand these complex rules quickly." Here, 'It' acts as a placeholder, allowing the true subject (to understand...) to appear later, making the sentence much easier to process. This creates a natural rhythm in speech and writing.
Next, Emphasis with do/does/did is a straightforward yet powerful way to inject conviction or contrast into a statement. Normally, we don't use 'do' in affirmative simple present/past statements unless it's a question or negative. But when you say,
I *did* send you the email,
you're strongly asserting that you performed the action, perhaps in response to someone doubting you.
Similarly,
She *does* like classical music,
emphasizes her preference, perhaps correcting a misconception. This highlights the main verb with genuine feeling.
Then, 'What' Clefts are fantastic for drawing attention to a specific piece of information. Instead of
I need a long break,
which is a simple statement, you can use a cleft structure to spotlight your desire for a break:
What I need is a long break.
The 'what' clause sets up the focus, and the verb 'is' (or 'was') then introduces the emphasized element. This technique is often used to clarify, correct, or simply highlight the most important part of your message.
Finally, Participle Clauses are all about efficiency and elegance. They allow you to combine two related clauses into one, often replacing conjunctions like 'because', 'while', or 'when'. For example, instead of
Because she had finished her work, she went home,
you can say,
Having finished her work, she went home.
Or,
While I was walking down the street, I saw an old friend
becomes
Walking down the street, I saw an old friend.
Both active (e.g., *walking*) and passive (e.g., *driven*) participle clauses make your writing more concise and sophisticated, creating a smoother flow between ideas.
These structures elevate your English by making it less clunky and more dynamic.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Misplacing the Dummy 'It' or using it awkwardly.
✗ It is important for learning new vocabulary.
✓ It is important to learn new vocabulary.
*Explanation:* The Dummy 'It' usually precedes an infinitive clause (to learn) or a 'that' clause (that you learn), not a prepositional phrase for a gerund.
  1. 1Overusing or misusing Emphatic do/does/did.
✗ I do believe he is handsome. (Unless correcting a previous statement or adding strong conviction, this is often unnecessary).
✓ I believe he is handsome. (Neutral statement)
✓ I *do* believe he is handsome, despite what others say. (Adds emphasis/contrast correctly).
*Explanation:* Emphatic 'do' should be reserved for situations where you truly want to add emphasis, assertion, or contradiction, not for every affirmative statement.
  1. 1Incorrectly forming or attaching Participle Clauses.
✗ Walking in the park, a beautiful bird sang a song. (Implies the bird was walking).
✓ Walking in the park, I heard a beautiful bird sing a song.
*Explanation:* The subject of the participle clause (even if unstated) must logically refer to the main clause's subject. In the incorrect example, 'Walking' incorrectly refers to 'a beautiful bird'.

Real Conversations

A

A

I heard you found that missing report. That's great!
B

B

Yes, I did find it, eventually! What I needed was more time to search properly.
A

A

Are you going to finish that project tonight? It looks like a lot of work.
B

B

It's definitely going to be tough to finish tonight. I've still got so much to do.
A

A

She looked so happy this morning, smiling as she walked into the office.
B

B

I know! Having received the promotion, she was practically floating.

Quick FAQ

Q

Why should I use the Dummy 'It' in my sentences?

Using the Dummy 'It' helps you create more natural-sounding sentences by moving long, complex subjects to the end. This makes your sentences easier to read and understand, improving overall clarity and flow, especially in formal writing and clear explanations.

Q

When is it appropriate to use emphatic 'do'?

You should use emphatic 'do' when you want to strongly confirm a statement, contradict someone, or express surprise or insistence. It adds a layer of emotion or certainty that a simple statement lacks, making your point more assertive.

Q

Are participle clauses always more efficient than full clauses?

Generally, yes! Participle clauses allow you to convey information more concisely by replacing conjunctions and sometimes the subject and auxiliary verb. However, ensure the meaning is clear and the clause correctly refers to the main subject, or it can lead to confusion.

Q

How do 'What' clefts help in emphasizing information?

'What' clefts highlight a specific part of your message by placing it after the verb 'to be'. This structure draws immediate attention to the emphasized element, making it clear to the listener or reader what the most important piece of information is, which is great for clarification or rhetorical effect.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use these structures constantly, often without even realizing it. The Dummy 'It' and Participle Clauses contribute to a more sophisticated and fluent sound in both formal and informal contexts. Emphatic 'do' is especially common in everyday conversations to express strong feelings or disagreements.
'What' Clefts are frequently employed to politely correct someone or to underscore a key point in discussions. Mastering these patterns allows your English to sound more authentic and less like a direct translation, reflecting a higher level of fluency and making your communication smoother and more nuanced, regardless of regional accent.

重要な例文 (4)

1

I `do` promise to be there for your birthday party.

あなたの誕生日パーティーには、本当に行くって約束するよ。

do/does/did を使った強調
2

He `does` understand the instructions for the assignment.

彼はその課題の指示を、間違いなく理解しています。

do/does/did を使った強調
3

What I want is a quiet evening at home.

Lo que quiero es una noche tranquila en casa.

「What」分裂文による強調（What I need is...）
4

What he told me was a complete surprise.

Lo que me dijo fue una sorpresa total.

「What」分裂文による強調（What I need is...）

ヒントとコツ (4)

💡

まずは結論、詳細は後で

Itを使うことで、まず「それは〜だ」という評価を先に伝え、具体的な内容は後から付け足すイメージです。映画の予告編のような役割ですね。 "It's exciting to travel alone."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 形式主語の 'It' (〜することは重要です)
💡

誤解を解く時の強い味方！

相手の思い込みを訂正する時に非常に効果的です。例えば： "You didn't study for the test?« »I did study! All night!"
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: do/does/did を使った強調
🎯

The 'All' Variation

If you want to emphasize that something is the *only* thing, replace 'What' with 'All'. (e.g., 'All I want is you.')
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 「What」分裂文による強調（What I need is...）
💡

-ingでスッキリ！

2つのことが同時に起きている時は、現在分詞を使って文をスリムにしましょう。例えば、ポップコーンを食べながら映画を見ているなら：
Watching Netflix, she ate popcorn.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 分詞構文: 文の効率をマスターする

重要な語彙 (5)

Emphasis special importance Cleft split or divided Redundant unnecessary repetition Clause part of a sentence Streamline make more efficient

Real-World Preview

briefcase

Professional Feedback

Review Summary

  • It + be + adj + to-infinitive
  • do/does/did + base verb
  • What + clause + is/was + focus
  • V-ing / V-ed clause, subject...
  • Subject + auxiliary/pro-form

よくある間違い

Do not include 'that' before the infinitive verb.

Wrong: It is important that to finish.
正解: It is important to finish.

The cleft structure already implies the subject; don't repeat the clause.

Wrong: What I need is that I need money.
正解: What I need is money.

The participle clause must share the same subject as the main clause (dangling modifier).

Wrong: Walking in the park, the trees were beautiful.
正解: While walking in the park, I saw beautiful trees.

Next Steps

You have done an amazing job navigating these advanced structures. Keep practicing, and you will sound more natural every day!

Write a short blog post using at least three of these structures.

Continue to: Telling Stories: Past Habits and Narrative Tenses

クイック練習 (10)

文の中の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

To get a good job is challenging in today's market.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is challenging to get a good job in today's market.
不定詞句が主語の場合、文頭に It を置いて後ろに回すのが最も自然な形です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 形式主語の 'It' (〜することは重要です)

Complete the sentence.

He said he would help, and help he ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: did
Past tense.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ellipsis and Substitution: Avoiding Repetition in English

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'be'.

What I need ___ a new pair of shoes.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
The verb 'is' is used to agree with the 'What' clause, even if the following noun is plural.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 「What」分裂文による強調（What I need is...）

Complete the sentence.

I like pizza, and he ___ too.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: does
Matches 'like'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ellipsis and Substitution: Avoiding Repetition in English

Find and fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

What he did was went to the store.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What he did was go to the store.
After 'What [subject] did was...', use the base form of the verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 「What」分裂文による強調（What I need is...）

分詞構文が正しく使われている文はどれですか？

正しい文を選んでください：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Running to the store, I dropped my ice cream.
走っているのは「私（I）」なので、主語が一致している2番目が正解です。1番目だとアイスが走っていることになってしまいます！

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 分詞構文: 文の効率をマスターする

Select the correct option.

I've never been there, but I hope to ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to
Ellipsis of 'go there'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Ellipsis and Substitution: Avoiding Repetition in English

強調文の中の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

I did `went` to the gym yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I did go to the gym yesterday.
過去の強調を表す助動詞 'did' の後は、メインの動詞を過去形 (went) ではなく原形 (go) にする必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: do/does/did を使った強調

文を完成させるのに最も適切な形を選んでください。

___ by her friends, she decided to join the trip.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Convinced
「彼女」が友達に説得された（受動）ので、過去分詞の 'Convinced' が正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 分詞構文: 文の効率をマスターする

文を完成させるために正しい語を選んでください。

___ is essential to proofread your essays before submission.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It
不定詞句 'to proofread your essays' を導入するための形式主語 It が必要です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 形式主語の 'It' (〜することは重要です)

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

Dummy Itは、特定の名詞を指さない「プレースホルダー（置き場所）」としての主語です。文の本当の主語（不定詞やthat節）が後で出てくることを予告します。
It is essential to learn.
それ自体に意味がないため「ダミー」と呼ばれ、後ろに来る長い主語を「予期」させるためそのように呼ばれます。
It is fun to swim.
主な目的は、肯定文に強い確信、確実性、または感情の強さを加えることです。自分の言っていることが「本当に真実である」と伝えたり、誤解を解いたり、驚きを表現したりする時に使います。例えば：
I do love this song!
は「この曲、本当に大好きなんだ！」という意味になります。
いいえ、疑問文では強調の do は使いません。疑問文にはすでに do/does/did が助動詞として含まれているため、さらにもう一つ重ねることは文法的に間違いです。
Do you like pizza?
が正しく、
Do you do like pizza?
とは言いません。
No, 'which' cannot be used to start a pseudo-cleft. You must use What.
In very formal writing, you might see What we need are more resources, but in standard and spoken English, is is much more common and preferred.
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