Inferential & If-Because Cleft Exercises
C1 Level
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If there’s one thing… singles out an insight. It’s not that… rejects one explanation before giving another. With It’s because of…, put a noun phrase after of, then use that to introduce the result. It was for this reason that… is a more formal way to connect a reason to an action. Check that the new sentence still makes the same point.
Quick Rule
insight: If there’s one thing…, it’s… | correction: It’s not that X, it’s that Y | cause: It is/was because of X that Y | formal reason: It is/was for this reason that Y
- 1.If there’s one thing the delay showed us, it’s that simple plans work best.
- 2.It’s not that I dislike the course, it’s that the timetable is difficult.
- 3.It was because of the icy road that the bus arrived late.
- 4.It was for this reason that the committee requested another meeting.
All 20 questions
Transform each sentence using the specialized cleft structure indicated. You are given the opening words - construct the full cleft sentence.
I've learned that patience is essential. (Inferential - key insight)
If
The problem isn't lack of money, it's poor planning. (Contrast cleft)
It's not
I succeeded because of her support. (Because-of cleft)
It's because
There is one thing that matters: integrity. (Inferential)
If
The issue isn't ability, it's motivation. (Contrast cleft)
It's not
Because of the economic crisis, they had to downsize. (Because-of cleft)
It was because
My experience has taught me communication is key. (Inferential)
If
The problem isn't the cost, it's the time required. (Contrast cleft)
It's not
For this reason, we decided to postpone the launch. (Reason cleft)
It's for
One thing I know for certain is change is inevitable. (Inferential)
If
He isn't lazy, he's overwhelmed. (Contrast cleft)
It's not
Because of his dedication, the project succeeded. (Because-of cleft)
It was because
One thing I believe strongly is everyone deserves a second chance. (Inferential)
If
She isn't unfriendly, she's shy. (Contrast cleft)
It's not
Because of this partnership, we can expand globally. (Because-of cleft)
It's because
For precisely this reason, the policy was changed. (Reason cleft)
It was for
One thing I regret is not speaking up sooner. (Inferential)
If
They don't disagree with the plan, they disagree with the timing. (Contrast cleft)
It's not
Because of your feedback, we improved the product. (Because-of cleft)
It was because
I know one thing for sure: trust must be earned. (Inferential)
If
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