Cleft Sentences

C1 · Advanced

Lesson video

Watch the lesson here on Enverson.

Explanation

Explanation · İngilis + Azərbaycan

A cleft sentence “splits” information to focus on one part: it is this element that matters.

AZ
Cleft cümlə məlumatı bölüb bir hissəni vurğulayır: «məhz bu vacibdir».
A
It-cleft
It + be + focus + that/who + rest
It was John who fixed it.
It is tomorrow that we leave.
B
Wh-cleft (pseudo-cleft)
What-clause + be + focus
What I need is time.
What she did was impressive.
TypePatternFocus on
It-cleftIt was X that …person / thing / time
Wh-cleftWhat I need is Xcomment / theme

Clefts don’t change truth — they change emphasis and rhythm.

AZ
Məzmun eyni qala bilər; vurğu və intonasiya dəyişir.

Vocabulary

50 söz — ingilis tələffüzü üçün dinlək ikonasına basın; AZ tərcümə üçün düyməyə basın.

claustrophobia noun /ˌklɒstrəˈfəʊbiə/

An intense fear of being in small or enclosed spaces.

Example: She avoids using elevators because her claustrophobia makes her feel trapped and anxious.

headstrong adjective /ˈhɛdstrɒŋ/

Determined to do what one wants without listening to advice or opposition; stubborn.

Example: Despite her parents' warnings, she was too headstrong to change her decision about moving abroad.

tact noun /tækt/

The ability to deal with difficult or sensitive situations carefully and without offending others.

Example: She handled the criticism with great tact, ensuring no one felt insulted.

tactful adjective /ˈtæktfəl/

Showing sensitivity and skill in dealing with others or difficult situations to avoid offending or upsetting them.

Example: She gave a tactful response to the criticism, ensuring she didn't hurt anyone's feelings.

tactfully adverb /ˈtæktfəli/

In a way that shows sensitivity and skill in dealing with others or difficult situations to avoid offending or upsetting them.

Example: She tactfully suggested a different approach without making anyone feel criticized.

blister noun /ˈblɪstər/

A small bubble on the skin filled with liquid, caused by friction, burning, or other damage.

Example: After hiking all day in tight shoes, she noticed a painful blister forming on her heel.

sponsorship noun /ˈspɒnsərʃɪp/

Financial or material support provided by a person, organization, or company in exchange for advertising or promotion.

Example: The event relied heavily on corporate sponsorship to cover the costs of organization.

ego noun /ˈiːɡoʊ/

A person's sense of self-importance or self-esteem, often in relation to how they see themselves compared to others.

Example: His ego was bruised when he realized he wasn't as skilled as he thought.

saloon noun /səˈluːn/

A public place, such as a bar or lounge, where alcoholic drinks are served and people gather socially.

Example: The group decided to meet at the old saloon downtown to celebrate their promotion.

lap verb /læp/

To overtake and pass a competitor in a race who is one or more laps behind.

Example: The runner managed to lap several of his opponents during the final stretch of the race.

beforehand adverb /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/

Earlier than a particular time or event; in advance.

Example: Make sure you prepare all the necessary documents beforehand to avoid any delays.

slob noun /slɒb/

A person who is messy, lazy, or careless in their habits or appearance.

Example: Despite being brilliant at his job, he was such a slob that his desk was always covered in papers and empty coffee cups.

coverage noun /ˈkʌvərɪdʒ/

The reporting or broadcasting of news or events by the media.

Example: The live coverage of the election results kept viewers informed throughout the night.

unplug verb /ˌʌnˈplʌɡ/

To disconnect an electrical device from a power source by removing its plug or to take a break from using electronic devices or technology.

Example: After a long week at work, she decided to unplug from her phone and spend the weekend in nature.

gadget noun /ˈɡædʒɪt/

A small device or tool that is useful for a particular purpose, often innovative or novel.

Example: This new kitchen gadget makes it much easier to chop vegetables quickly and safely.

rediscover verb /ˌriːdɪˈskʌvər/

To find or experience something again that you had forgotten or lost interest in.

Example: After years of living abroad, she rediscovered her love for traditional cooking.

subtly adverb /ˈsʌtli/

In a way that is not obvious or easily noticeable, often requiring close attention to detect.

Example: She subtly hinted that she was unhappy with the decision, but no one seemed to notice.

brainwash verb /ˈbreɪnwɒʃ/

To force someone to accept certain beliefs or ideas by repeatedly pressuring or influencing them, often against their will.

Example: The regime tried to brainwash its citizens into believing propaganda about the government.

brainwashing noun /ˈbreɪnwɒʃɪŋ/

The process of forcing someone to accept certain beliefs or ideas by repeatedly influencing or manipulating them.

Example: The documentary revealed how the cult used brainwashing techniques to control its members.

implicate verb /ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/

To show or suggest that someone is involved in a crime or something bad.

Example: The evidence found at the scene could implicate him in the robbery.

malfunction noun/verb /ˌmælˈfʌŋkʃən/

(noun) A failure to work or operate correctly; (verb) To fail to function or operate as expected.

Example: (verb) The printer malfunctioned during the presentation, causing a lot of frustration.

wayside noun /ˈweɪˌsaɪd/

The side of a road or path, often referring to a place where people or things are left behind or abandoned.

Example: Many old traditions have fallen by the wayside in the modern world.

expire verb /ɪkˈspaɪɚ/

To come to an end or no longer be valid, especially in relation to a fixed period of time.

Example: My passport is going to expire next month, so I need to renew it soon.

con verb /kɑn/

To deceive or trick someone, often to gain money or an advantage.

Example: She was conned into signing a contract that left her with huge debts.

puzzle verb /ˈpʌzəl/

To confuse or perplex someone by presenting a difficult or unclear problem.

Example: The strange behavior of the animal puzzled the scientists.

damply adverb /ˈdæmpli/

In a way that is slightly wet or moist, often unpleasantly so.

Example: The clothes hung damply on the line, refusing to dry in the humid air.

ghostly adjective /ˈɡoʊstli/

Resembling or characteristic of a ghost; eerie or unnatural in appearance or atmosphere.

Example: The abandoned house had a ghostly silence that made everyone feel uneasy.

carrier noun /ˈkæriɚ/

A person, vehicle, or company that transports goods or people from one place to another.

Example: The company hired a reliable carrier to deliver the packages to their international clients.

washtub noun /ˈwɑʃˌtʌb/

A large, typically round container used for washing clothes or other items by hand.

Example: The old wooden washtub in the corner of the room reminded her of how people used to do laundry before modern machines.

apt adjective /æpt/

having a natural ability or tendency to do something or being appropriate in the circumstances.

Example: She is particularly apt at solving complex problems under pressure.

apt to adjective /ˈæpt tu/

likely to do something or having a natural tendency to behave in a particular way.

Example: People who are tired are more apt to make mistakes.

portable adjective /ˈpɔrtəbəl/

Something that is easy to carry or move, especially because it is designed to be lightweight and compact.

Example: The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for people who travel frequently.

ornamental adjective /ˌɔrnəˈmɛntəl/

Used to describe something that is decorative rather than functional.

Example: The garden was filled with ornamental plants that added beauty but served no practical purpose.

placid adjective /ˈplæsɪd/

Calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity, and not easily upset or excited.

Example: She remained placid despite the chaos unfolding around her.

placidly adverb /ˈplæsɪdli/

In a calm and peaceful manner, without excitement or disturbance.

Example: She sat placidly by the lake, enjoying the gentle sound of the water.

unmanageable adjective /ˌʌnˈmænɪdʒəbəl/

Difficult or impossible to control, deal with, or handle effectively.

Example: The workload became unmanageable after several team members left the company.

appliance noun /əˈplaɪəns/

A device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, typically in the home.

Example: Modern kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers and microwaves, have made cooking and cleaning much more efficient.

relinquish verb /rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/

To give up something such as power, control, or possession, often unwillingly.

Example: She had to relinquish control of the project when she moved to a different department.

tedious adjective /ˈtidiəs/

Boring and too slow or long, often causing frustration or lack of interest.

Example: The process of filling out all the paperwork was so tedious that it took hours to complete.

tedium noun /ˈtidiəm/

The state of being boring or monotonous, often due to repetition or lack of variety.

Example: The tedium of completing the same task every day made her lose interest in the job.

exert verb /ɪɡˈzɝt/

To use effort, power, or influence to achieve something.

Example: She had to exert a lot of pressure to convince the board to approve her proposal.

extortion noun /ɪkˈstɔrʃən/

The act of obtaining something, especially money, through force, threats, or unfair pressure.

Example: The businessman was arrested for extortion after demanding money in exchange for not revealing confidential information.

alleviate verb /əˈliviˌeɪt/

To make something less severe, such as pain, problems, or suffering.

Example: The government introduced new policies to alleviate poverty in the region.

elaborate verb /ɪˈlæbɚˌeɪt/

To add more detail or explain something more fully.

Example: Could you elaborate on your proposal so we can understand it better?

elaboration noun /ɪˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/

The act of adding more detail or information to something to make it clearer or more developed.

Example: The professor's elaboration on the topic helped the students understand the complex concept better.

detest verb /dɪˈtɛst/

To strongly dislike or hate something or someone.

Example: She absolutely detests working late on Fridays because it ruins her weekend plans.

detestable adjective /dɪˈtɛstəbəl/

Deserving intense dislike or hatred.

Example: His detestable behavior at the meeting shocked everyone.

suds noun /sʌdz/

Foamy bubbles that form on the surface of a liquid, especially soapy water.

Example: After washing the dishes, the sink was filled with thick, white suds.

agreeable adjective /əˈɡriːəbl̩/

Pleasant, enjoyable, or acceptable to someone.

Example: The hotel staff were very agreeable and made sure all our needs were met.

prowl verb /praʊl/

To move around quietly and carefully, especially when hunting or looking for something.

Example: The cat prowled through the garden, searching for its next prey.

Practice sentences

Əvvəlcə Azərbaycan dilindəki cümləni oxuyun; ingilis dilindəki qarşılığını görmək üçün düyməyə basın.

AZ EN

Mənim ehtiyacım olan daha çox vaxtdır.

John pəncərənin yanında dayanan adamdır.

Bu kitabı mənə anam alıb.

It-cleft diqqəti müəyyən hissəyə yönəldir.

What-cleft əsasən “what” ilə başlayır.

Bu cümlə vurğunu dəyişir, mənanı yox.

Rəsmi nitqdə tez-tez işlənir.

“The reason why … is that …” izah strukturudur.

All-cleft nadir hallarda rast gəlinir.

Yazıda oxucunu idarə etmək üçün faydalıdır.

Reading task

Mətni oxuyun və suallara cavab verin.

Reading: Cleft Sentences

It was my brother who helped me with the project. What impressed me most was her ability to remain calm under pressure. It is the environment that influences a child’s development. What we need is more cooperation among team members. It was in Paris that I first discovered my love for art. What I regret the most is not spending enough time with my family. It is only through practice that one achieves mastery. What surprised me was the sudden improvement in his performance.

Layihədə mənə kim kömək etdi?

Mənim sənətə sevgimə nə təsir etdi?

Ustalıq (mastery) üçün nə lazımdır?

Writing task

Öz uğurlarınız və ya hobbiləriniz haqqında yazın.

Tapşırıq

  • cleft sentences (It is… who/that / What … is …)
  • əhəmiyyətli insanlar və fəaliyyətlər
  • hər hansı bir vurğunu göstərmək

Clicking will open ChatGPT in a new tab with your task + answer (prompt is also copied).

Quick quiz

Tap an answer — you’ll see right away if it’s correct.

0 / 3

Focus on the person: “_____ who fixed the bug.”

Wh-cleft: “_____ is more time.”

Cleft sentences mainly change:

Lesson complete — great job!

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