What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to emphasise a specific part of a sentence using "It was X who/that...".
When do I use it?
A cleft sentence splits one idea into two clauses to put the focus exactly where you want it. Use "It was/was + the highlighted part + who/that + the rest":
- "Maria called me." → "It was Maria who called me." (focus: Maria, not someone else)
- "I lost the keys." → "It was the keys that I lost." (focus: the keys)
- "We moved in 2019." → "It was in 2019 that we moved." (focus: the time)
The pattern works for people (who), things (that/which) and time/place (that/where).
How do I form it?
It + is/was + highlighted part + who/that/where + rest of sentence
- It was Anna who found the solution.
- It is the price that worries me.
- It was in Paris that they first met.
- It was the rain that ruined the picnic.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish cleft sentences ("fue María quien llamó") match well, but speakers often forget the "It" opener or the relative word: "was Maria who called", "it was Maria called". Keep all three pieces: It + was + focus + who/that + clause. Also do not use "that" for people when you want emphasis on a person — "who" is more natural; and remember the verb after "It was" is singular: "It was the keys that I lost", not "It were the keys".
It + is/was + focus + who (people) / that (things) / where (places) + the rest.
Practice
Multiple Choice
B2Which sentence is correct?
Fill in the Blank
B2It was in June the project started.
Hint: Time is introduced with 'that': 'It was in June that...'.
Find the Error
B2Sentence Transformation
B2Task: Focus on my brother with a cleft sentence
Hint: It was + focus (a person) + who + rest.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: B2