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C1 — Using Cleft Sentences to Highlight Information

C1 · 上級チャプター 16

Using Cleft Sentences to Highlight Information

Q: 強調の"do"は否定文でも使えますか？

いいえ、否定文ではすでに"do"が必要なので使いません。否定を強調したい場合は、通常"not"を強調するか、"really"を使います。例えば、「I really do NOT want to go.」（本当に、行きたくない！）のように言いますよ。

Q: All-cleftを使う一番の目的は何ですか？

特定の行動や物だけに「スポットライト」を当てるためです。"the one thing" を強調して、それ以外は重要ではないというニュアンスを出せます。

7 トータルルール

81 例文

6 分

このチャプターのルールクイック練習

Using Cleft Sentences to Highlight Information

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of cleft sentences to command attention and highlight the most important information in your speech.

Identify the best cleft structure for your intended message.
Integrate emphatic markers to add emotional weight to your arguments.
Transform standard declarative sentences into persuasive, high-impact statements.

Command the spotlight with every sentence.

学べること

Discover how to truly make your points resonate. This chapter guides you in using powerful structures like It-clefts and Wh-clefts to strategically highlight information, enabling you to communicate with greater precision and persuasive flair.

強調：本当に好きなんです！ (Emphatic Do/Does/Did)
強調のdoは、まるで言葉に「太字」を付けるようなもの！真実をはっきりさせたり、思い込みを否定したり、あるいは丁寧な気持ちを心から伝えたりするのに役立つ、魔法のツールです。
普遍的な強調: 「All」を使った焦点化（All-Cleft）
「たった一つのこと」を強調したい時に使う魔法のフレーズです。only よりもドラマチックに one thing を際立たせることができますよ。
あなたが必要なのは... (強調のためのWh-Clefts)
Wh-cleftsを使うと、伝えたい情報をグッと「スポットライト」のように当てられます。「クリア」に「力強く」相手にメッセージを届けるための魔法のツールですよ。
Wh-Clefts: 動作にドラマを加える
Wh-cleft構文を使えば、特定の「行動」や「出来事」に強力な「スポットライト」を当てることができますよ。
It-Clefts: 強い強調を加える
「It」強調構文をマスターすれば、英語の文章に「powerful」で「precise」な「emphasis」を加えられますよ。
英語のIt-Clefts: 目的語を強調する (It was the...)
It-Cleftを使いこなして、「特定の目的語」を「際立たせ」、あなたの「高度な英語」に「明確さ」と「説得力」を加えましょう！
時と場所を強調するIt-Cleft: 「～だったのはその時だ」
時間や場所の「It-Clefts」は、伝えたい「重要な詳細」を「浮き彫り」にし、あなたのコミュニケーションに「強調」と「明瞭さ」を加える魔法の表現ですよ。

Learning Objectives

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

1
By the end you will be able to: Use It-clefts and Wh-clefts to rewrite flat sentences into dynamic, focused arguments.

チャプターガイド

Overview

As you advance in your English journey to C1 level, simply conveying information isn't enough; you need to express ideas fluently and spontaneously with impact and nuance. This chapter on English using cleft sentences to highlight information is your secret weapon for achieving just that. Far from being a mere grammatical curiosity, mastering cleft sentences – including It-clefts and Wh-clefts – empowers you to take control of your message, focusing your listener's attention precisely where you want it.

Imagine being able to subtly (or not so subtly!) correct a misunderstanding, add dramatic flair to a story, or emphatically state a truth. These advanced structures, like the Emphatic Do/Does/Did, the All-cleft, and those that spotlight 'when' or 'where' something happened, give your English a persuasive edge and C1-level sophistication. They're about more than just correctness; they're about communication strategy, making your points resonate deeply and transforming your speaking and writing from merely clear to truly compelling.

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, this grammar is about shifting the emphasis within a sentence. Instead of a straightforward statement, we restructure it to bring a specific piece of information into the spotlight. Think of it as putting a verbal spotlight on the most crucial part of your message.

We begin with the foundational concept of emphasis: the Emphatic Do/Does/Did. When you say,

I *do* like it!

you're not just confirming; you're often contradicting an assumption or adding sincere warmth, almost like verbal bolding. This simple addition elevates the verb.

Building on this, It-clefts are structures like

It was X that Y

It is X who Y.

They allow you to take any part of a sentence – the subject, object, time, or place – and place it directly after 'It is' or 'It was' for maximum impact. For example, instead of

My boss suggested the idea,

you can say,

It was my boss who suggested the idea,

clearly highlighting the person responsible. Similarly,

It was yesterday that the decision was made

puts the focus squarely on the timing.

This is incredibly useful for clarification, contrast, or adding dramatic weight.

Then we have Wh-clefts, often starting with 'What', 'Who', 'Where', 'When', or 'Why'. These are fantastic for spotlighting actions or needs, making your statements more persuasive and dynamic. For instance, instead of

I need a long break,

you can express it more forcefully as,

What I need is a long break.

The All-cleft is a specific type of Wh-cleft that uses 'All' to indicate exclusivity, such as

All I want is a quiet evening,

emphasizing that nothing else matters.

By strategically employing these structures, you're not just speaking English; you're truly shaping your message with C1 precision.

Common Mistakes

1✗ Overuse in simple contexts: *It is that I went to the store yesterday.*

✓ Correction: *I went to the store yesterday.* (Clefts are for emphasis, not everyday simple statements.)

Explanation: While powerful, cleft sentences add formality and emphasis. Using them unnecessarily can make your speech sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Reserve them for moments when you genuinely want to highlight information.

1✗ Incorrect verb agreement or pronoun usage in It-clefts: *It was them who arrived late.*

✓ Correction: *It was they who arrived late.* (More formally correct, though 'them' is common informally). Or, *It was I who made the mistake.* (Not *It was me who...*)

Explanation: The pronoun after 'It is'/'It was' should ideally be in the subject form (I, he, she, we, they) in formal contexts, especially when followed by 'who' or 'that'. The verb in the relative clause should also agree with the highlighted subject, e.g., *It is the students who *are* protesting.*

1✗ Confusing structure of Wh-clefts with direct questions: *What did he do was steal the money.*

✓ Correction: *What he did was steal the money.*

Explanation: Wh-clefts are statements that use a 'wh'-word to introduce the emphasized clause, followed by a form of 'be'. They are not interrogative sentences, so avoid question word order in the first part of the cleft.

Real Conversations

I thought Sarah was going to present her findings today.

Oh, she *did* present them! You must have stepped out. It was David who forgot to update the schedule.

This report is a mess. I can't understand the main point.

I agree. What this report needs is a clear executive summary at the beginning. Otherwise, it's just a wall of text.

So, you're saying the project failed because of budget cuts?

Not entirely. It was the lack of communication that truly undermined the project, more than anything else.

Quick FAQ

When should I use a cleft sentence instead of a simple sentence?

You should use a cleft sentence when you want to put particular emphasis on one part of your message, to clarify, correct, contrast, or add drama. For example, to correct a misunderstanding or to highlight a specific detail that's crucial to your point.

Are cleft sentences always formal?

While they can lend a more formal tone, especially in writing, many cleft structures, like

What I mean is...

or "It's you I'm talking to," are very common in spoken, informal English to add emphasis or clarity. The choice depends on the specific structure and context.

What's the main difference between It-clefts and Wh-clefts?

It-clefts (e.g.,

It was John who left

) emphasize a specific noun or pronoun (person, object, time, place). Wh-clefts (e.g.,

What John did was leave

) typically emphasize an action or a generalized idea, often focusing on the 'what' of a situation.

Can I use clefts in writing as well as speaking?

Absolutely! Cleft sentences are excellent tools for both written and spoken English. In writing, they can make your arguments more persuasive and highlight key information for the reader. In speaking, they add natural emphasis and allow you to guide your listener's attention dynamically.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers instinctively use these patterns not just for grammatical correctness, but for their communicative impact. They're masters of strategic emphasis. In everyday conversation, you'll hear emphatic do and Wh-clefts (especially

What I need is...

) frequently to express strong opinions or needs.

It-clefts are common for correcting misinformation or adding weight to a statement, often with a slight pause for dramatic effect. While formal writing might prefer

It was I who...

, casual speech often opts for

It was me who...

, showcasing the flexibility and natural evolution of these structures. They are key to sounding truly fluent and spontaneous.

重要な例文 (8)

I **do** love that new Netflix series.

あの新しいNetflixシリーズ、本当に大好きなんです。

強調：本当に好きなんです！ (Emphatic Do/Does/Did)

She **does** have a point about the budget.

彼女、予算については確かに一理ありますよ。

強調：本当に好きなんです！ (Emphatic Do/Does/Did)

All I want is a break from studying.

勉強の合間に、ただ休みが欲しいだけなんだ。

普遍的な強調: 「All」を使った焦点化（All-Cleft）

All he did was send a quick text, not a lengthy email.

彼は短いテキストを送っただけで、長いメールなんて書いてないよ。

普遍的な強調: 「All」を使った焦点化（All-Cleft）

What I *really* want is a break from studying.

私が本当に欲しいのは、勉強からの休憩です。

Wh-Clefts: 動作にドラマを加える

What she *did* was completely ignore my message.

彼女がしたことは、私のメッセージを完全に無視することでした。

Wh-Clefts: 動作にドラマを加える

It was *John* who forgot the keys.

Johnが鍵を忘れたんです。

It-Clefts: 強い強調を加える

It is *your positive attitude* that I admire most.

私が最も尊敬するのはあなたの前向きな姿勢です。

It-Clefts: 強い強調を加える

ヒントとコツ (4)

🎯

強調が命！

doを声に出して強調しないと、ただ文法がごちゃごちゃしてるだけみたいに聞こえちゃいます。この助動詞を「パンチ」するつもりで発音してみて！

I did tell you!

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 強調：本当に好きなんです！ (Emphatic Do/Does/Did)

💡

「これだけ」という感覚

他の可能性をすべて排除して、核心だけを伝えたい時にこの形がベストです。"All I'm saying is that it's complicated."

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 普遍的な強調: 「All」を使った焦点化（All-Cleft）

💡

「What」をどんどん使ってみましょう

Wh-cleftsで一番よく使われるのは「What」です。汎用性が高くてとても便利なので、迷ったらまず「What」から始めてみてくださいね！

What I want is a cup of coffee.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: あなたが必要なのは... (強調のためのWh-Clefts)

💡

明確化に使う

メッセージが伝わっていないと感じる時、Wh-cleftを使えば、正確な行動や情報をピンポイントで示すことができます。文の最も重要な部分に言葉の矢印を置くようなものです。「What I'm trying to say is that we need more time.」

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Wh-Clefts: 動作にドラマを加える

重要な語彙 (5)

Emphatic expressing something with force Cleft a split or divided structure Declarative a statement of fact Temporal relating to time Focus the center of interest or activity

Real-World Preview

briefcase

The Persuasive Pitch

Review Summary

Subject + do/does/did + Verb
All + [clause] + is + [focus]
What + [clause] + is/was + [focus]
What + Subject + did + was + [action]
It + be + [focus] + that/who + [clause]
It + be + [object] + that + [subject+verb]
It + be + [time/place] + that + [clause]

よくある間違い

Wh-clefts often require singular agreement even if the focus is plural.

Wrong: What I need are a coffee.

正解: What I need is a coffee.

Use 'that' for It-clefts, not 'where' or 'when'.

Wrong: It is in London where I met her.

正解: It is in London that I met her.

Avoid repeating the subject after the 'all' clause.

Wrong: All I need, it is money.

正解: All I need is money.

このチャプターのルール (7)

Next Steps

You have mastered one of the most powerful tools in the English language. Keep practicing these structures in your professional emails to see the difference in your impact!

Rewrite a news article using clefts to change the focus of each paragraph.

Continue to: Creating Drama with Negative Inversion

クイック練習 (10)

It-Cleftの文を完成させるため、正しい関係代名詞を選びましょう。

It was my new phone ___ I lost at the concert.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: that

'my new phone' は物なので、'that' が適切な関係代名詞です。'who' は人、'whose' は所有を表します。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 英語のIt-Clefts: 目的語を強調する (It was the...)

次のAll-cleftの文の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

All he needed are more time to finish the report.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All he needed was more time to finish the report.

'more time' が複数のように感じられても、この構造では 'all' を受ける動詞は単数形になります。過去の話なので 'was' が適切です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 普遍的な強調: 「All」を使った焦点化（All-Cleft）

Wh-cleft文の間違いを見つけて修正しなさい。

Find and fix the mistake:

What he did was to ran away from the spider.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What he did was run away from the spider.

この構文では「was」の後に動詞の原形（基本形）を使う必要があり、「run」が正しいです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Wh-Clefts: 動作にドラマを加える

「It」強調構文の文の間違いを見つけて訂正してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

It were the unexpected results that surprised everyone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It was the unexpected results that surprised everyone.

「It」は単数主語なので、過去形の単数動詞「was」が必要で、「were」は間違いです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: It-Clefts: 強い強調を加える

文中の間違いを訂正してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

I did enjoyed the concert last night.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I did enjoy the concert last night.

「did」の後には動詞の原形「enjoy」が来なければならず、「enjoyed」ではありません。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 強調：本当に好きなんです！ (Emphatic Do/Does/Did)

「It」強調構文を完成させるため、正しい関係代名詞を選んでください。

It was my friend ___ told me the news.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: who

「friend」は人を指すので、「who」が適切な関係代名詞です。「that」もここでは正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: It-Clefts: 強い強調を加える

正しい文を選んでください。

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is the team's effort that led to success.

単数形の「It」には「It is」の形が正しく、その後に強調される名詞句と関係代名詞「that」が続きます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: It-Clefts: 強い強調を加える

All-cleftの文を完成させるために、正しい形を選んでください。

___ she wants for dinner ___ pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All / is

All-cleftでは文頭に 'All' を置き、単数形の 'is' または 'was' で繋ぎます。'What' を使うと Wh-cleft になります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 普遍的な強調: 「All」を使った焦点化（All-Cleft）

It-Cleftの文の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

It were the students who organized the charity event.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It was the students who organized the charity event.

It-Cleftの 'be' 動詞は常に 'It'（単数）と一致するため、'were' は 'was' に修正する必要があります。それ以外の部分は正しいですよ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 英語のIt-Clefts: 目的語を強調する (It was the...)

文中の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

It is last night that the concert was.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It was last night that the concert was.

元の文では、過去の出来事（last night、was）に対して誤ってisが使われています。It-Cleftsのbe動詞は、that節で説明されている出来事の時制と一致する必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 時と場所を強調するIt-Cleft: 「～だったのはその時だ」

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

いいえ、否定文ではすでにdoが必要なので使いません。否定を強調したい場合は、通常notを強調するか、reallyを使います。例えば、「I really do NOT want to go.」（本当に、行きたくない！）のように言いますよ。

はい、大丈夫です！タスクが完了したことを明確に伝えたり、謝罪の気持ちを誠実に示したりするのにとても役立ちます。例えば、「We **did** review your application last week.」（先週、確かにあなたの応募書類を確認いたしました。）のように使えます。

特定の行動や物だけに「スポットライト」を当てるためです。the one thing を強調して、それ以外は重要ではないというニュアンスを出せます。

'just' も強調になりますが、'All I did was...' の方が「それしかやっていない」という全否定のニュアンスが強く、よりドラマチックです。

Wh-cleftsの主な機能は、文の特定の部分に鋭い焦点を当て、それを最も重要な情報として際立たせることです。考えやモノ、行動、理由などを強調するのに役立ちます。例えば、「何よりも私が欲しいのは、平和です」という気持ちを表すために

What I want most is peace.

と言えます。

Wh-cleftsは、通常は後に来る情報を前面に出すために文を再構築します。例えば、「I want coffee」というシンプルな文は、「What I want is coffee」となり、「coffee」に強調が置かれます。これにより、「他のものじゃなくて、コーヒーなんだよ」というニュアンスが加わります。