Using clefts and other structures to highlight information
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wh-cleft sentences | page 1 of 4 |
Introduction
This file gives details of wh-cleft sentences (sometimes called pseudo-cleft sentences), where a one-clause sentence is divided into two clauses by means of a wh-word, thus enabling the author to focus on different parts of the sentence.
Although clauses with who 
, where and when are occasionally possible, clauses with what are by far
the most common type of wh-cleft clause. The what-clause typically occurs as
subject 
of the sentence:
What interests me is the inability of feminists to distinguish between political ideology and personal character. (Bank of English)
but may occur as complement :
Confidence is what is needed to get Britain out of the recession.
(Bank of English)
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Introduction
what-clauses as subject
