How to use split sentences in English is extremely simple

How to use split sentences in English is extremely simple

Cleft sentences are emphasized sentences in English, especially in daily communication and appear many in exam questions.

Many of you may have used this type of sentence but do not know the exact name, or are not sure how to structure a cleft sentence. So let's EnglishTop Learn about this type of sentence in the article below.

1. What are cleft sentences in English?

Split sentences are quite common in English communication and are used by speakers to emphasize ideas, objects, and components in the sentence, including two clauses: main clause and subordinate clause.

2. Cleft sentence structure with the form It + be (is/was)

General structure: It is/was + … that/whom/who/…

- Structure used to emphasize the subject.

There are two types of split sentences that emphasize the subject: people and things.

  • It is/was + subject (person) + who/that + V
  • It is/was + subject (thing) + that + V

Please note that we will not use the relative pronoun who in sentences referring to things, but only that.

For example:

  • Tan is the tallest student in my class.

- Structure used to emphasize the object.

General structure: It + is/was + object to emphasize + whom/that + clause

  • Because this is a general structure, you should pay attention: do not use relative pronouns indicating people (whom...) to refer to things.

For example:

  • Duong met me at the park.

- Structure used to emphasize adverbs (indicating time, place, reason...)

Structure: It is/was + adverb + that + S + V + O

For example:

  • Phuong’s sister bought a new bag last Saturday.

- Emphasis structure in passive sentences.

General structure:

  • It + is / was + noun (noun denoting things) + that + be + V3/V-ed
  • It + is / was + noun / pronoun (noun indicating person) + who + be + V3/V-ed

For example:

  • Everyone discusses about this project.

3. Emphasis structure with what.

This structure is more special, it will not start with "It + be", but the information to be emphasized will be placed at the end of the sentence and the word "what" will be placed at the beginning of the sentence.

General structure: What clause + Verb + Sentence or word used for emphasis

For example:

  • What Quynh wants to go on her holiday is always Sapa.

So the 3 most basic structures of split sentences in English have been synthesized. You just need to learn to read and ponder them to be able to understand and use them correctly in your communication situations. Wishing you success!