Reversed cleft sentences
Definition
A reversed cleft sentence, also called a reversed pseudo-cleft, places the emphasized complement before be and a wh-clause: A quiet weekend is what I need. It reverses the more usual pseudo-cleft order What I need is a quiet weekend.
Examples
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A quiet weekend is what I need.
The emphasized complement a quiet weekend comes first.
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The red folder is where Maya keeps the receipts.
The initial complement identifies the place described by the where-clause.
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More time is what the project requires.
The fronted complement receives the main informational emphasis.
Pseudo-cleft vs. reversed pseudo-cleft
What Leo needs is a longer break.
The wh-clause comes first and the emphasized complement follows be.
A longer break is what Leo needs.
The emphasized complement comes first.
Both structures identify the same focused information, but they organize it in opposite orders.
The two sides must form a coherent identification
The initial complement and the wh-clause are linked by be. The construction is most natural when the second part clearly identifies, explains, or defines the first.
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A full refund is what the customer requested.
The what-clause identifies the requested thing.
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After lunch is when the office becomes busiest.
The when-clause identifies the relevant time.
Common mistakes
A longer break what Leo needs is.
A longer break is what Leo needs.
Place be between the emphasized complement and the wh-clause.
A longer break is that Leo needs.
A longer break is what Leo needs.
Use an appropriate wh-word, such as what, to introduce the identifying clause.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is a reversed pseudo-cleft?
The emphasized complement comes before be + what-clause.Which sentence has the correct reversed-cleft order?
The structure is focused complement + be + wh-clause.Which sentence is the ordinary pseudo-cleft equivalent of More time is what Maya needs?
The ordinary pseudo-cleft puts the what-clause first.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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