Ever felt like your sentences needed a little extra oomph? Sometimes, you just have to put the spotlight on what’s important. That’s where “it” and “what” clauses come in! They’re like the grammar world’s way of pointing a giant neon sign at the main idea of your sentence.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use these structures to emphasize key points, clarify your meaning, and make your writing more engaging. We’ll share practical tips, clear examples, and even help you avoid some common mistakes. Ready to focus? Let’s get started!
1. Focusing with “It” Clauses
An “it” clause is a way to emphasize part of a sentence. The structure typically looks like this:
- It is/was + emphasized part + that/who + the rest of the sentence
Examples:
- Normal Sentence: John baked the cake.
- Emphasized Sentence: It was John who baked the cake. (John is the focus.)
- Normal Sentence: I love this song.
- Emphasized Sentence: It is this song that I love. (The song is the focus.)
Practical Tip: Use “it” clauses when you want to make something stand out, especially if you’re correcting someone or adding drama. Imagine saying, “It was YOU who stole my fries!”—much more impactful, right?
2. Focusing with “What” Clauses
A “what” clause is used to emphasize the thing or idea you’re talking about. The structure usually looks like this:
- What + subject + verb + is/was + emphasized information
Examples:
- Normal Sentence: I need a good vacation.
- Emphasized Sentence: What I need is a good vacation. (The vacation is the focus.)
- Normal Sentence: He loves coffee.
- Emphasized Sentence: What he loves is coffee. (Coffee is the focus.)
Practical Tip: “What” clauses are perfect for clarifying or emphasizing a preference, wish, or important fact. Use them when you really want to highlight what matters.
3. Combining Both for Extra Emphasis
Sometimes, you can use both “it” and “what” structures in the same sentence to double down on your emphasis.
Example:
- It is what she said that shocked me. (Emphasizes both “what she said” and the impact.)
Practical Tip: Use this combination sparingly to avoid sounding overly dramatic—unless that’s what you’re going for!
4. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the best English speakers slip up with these structures. Here’s how to dodge some common pitfalls:
Mistake #1: Using “It” Clauses Incorrectly
- Incorrect: It was baked the cake by John.
- Correct: It was John who baked the cake.
Tip: Make sure the emphasized part comes after “it is/was,” and the rest of the sentence follows naturally.
Mistake #2: Confusing “What” Clauses
- Incorrect: What I need a new car.
- Correct: What I need is a new car.
Tip: Always follow the “what” clause with a verb (usually “is” or “was”) to complete the sentence.
Mistake #3: Overusing Emphasis
- Overdone: It was in the kitchen where it happened that I saw the ghost, which was what terrified me.
- Better: It was in the kitchen where I saw the ghost.
Tip: Keep your sentences clear and concise. Too much emphasis can confuse your reader instead of clarifying your point.
5. Quick Recap Table: “It” vs. “What” Clauses
| Clause Type | Purpose | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| “It” Clause | Emphasize a specific part | It is/was + emphasized part + that/who + rest | It was my sister who broke the vase. |
| “What” Clause | Highlight a thing or idea | What + subject + verb + is/was + info | What she needs is a nap. |
| Combining Both | Double emphasis (use sparingly) | It is + what + clause + that + rest | It is what he said that upset me. |
Conclusion: Focus Like a Pro!
Congratulations! You now know how to use “it” and “what” clauses to emphasize what matters most in your sentences. Whether you’re writing an essay, telling a dramatic story, or simply clarifying your point, these structures will help you communicate more effectively.
Remember: Keep your focus clear, use emphasis wisely, and practice using these clauses until they feel natural. With a little effort, you’ll be spotlighting your ideas like a true grammar expert. Happy focusing!