Wh-Cleft What-clauses Exercises (Easy)

A wh-cleft (also called a pseudo-cleft) begins with a clause starting with what and places the focused element at the end. For example, "I need a holiday" becomes "What I need is a holiday" — the emphasis falls on "a holiday" because it is revealed last. The pattern is: What + subject + verb + is/was + focus element. Wh-clefts feel natural in conversation because they build towards the important information, creating a sense of anticipation before delivering the key point.

Unlike it-clefts, which typically emphasise the subject, wh-clefts naturally emphasise objects, ideas, and actions — what someone needs, wants, likes, or did. The verb "be" links the wh-clause to the focus: "What surprised me was the price" or "What he said was completely wrong." In negative form, add "not" to the wh-clause: "What I don't understand is why she left." Wh-clefts appear frequently in spoken English and are tested in Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced Use of English papers. They are an important tool for creating emphasis in both speech and writing.