📖 Cleft Sentences Rules: It-clefts vs Wh-clefts vs All-clefts

Rule 1: It-clefts – front focus

Structure: It + be + emphasised element + that/who + remainder.
Use for: identifying a person, object, time, place, or manner.
Example: "It was the president who announced the decision."

Rule 2: Wh-clefts (pseudo-clefts)

Structure: What/Where/Why/How + clause + be + emphasised element.
Use for: summarising an action, reason, place, or method.
Example: "What we need is more time."

Rule 3: All-clefts (subtype of wh-cleft)

Structure: All + clause + be + focus.
Use for: emphasising the only thing needed or the minimal aspect.
Example: "All I want is a cup of coffee."

Rule 4: Verb patterns in wh-clefts

After 'What...be', use the bare infinitive (without 'to') for actions.
Correct: "What he did was resign." Incorrect: "What he did was to resign."
For nouns: "What he needs is a holiday."

Rule 5: Punctuation and word order

The cleft clause can be separated by a comma for dramatic effect, but it's optional.
Example: "What really matters, however, is your health."

💡 In formal writing, prefer 'It was I who' over 'It was me who', though the latter is common in speech.