Pseudo-cleft sentences reorganize information around a what clause: what plus subject plus did plus was plus a bare or to-infinitive reports a specific action, as in what she did was quit her job, while what happens is (that) plus clause introduces a general explanation, with happens agreeing with the singular what.
Grammar Rule
What plus subject plus did plus was plus (to) plus base verb reports a specific action — after was here, use the bare or to-infinitive, never the -ing form. What happens is (that) plus clause introduces a general explanation; happens must agree with singular what, not with a later plural idea.
Pseudo-Cleft Structures: Rules and Examples
| Pattern | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| What + subject + did + was + (to) + base verb | bare/to-infinitive, never -ing | What she did was (to) quit her job. |
| What happens is (that) + clause | happens agrees with what, singular | What happens is that misinformation spreads fast. |
Remember: After what… did was, use the bare or to-infinitive, never the -ing form.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using pseudo-cleft structures correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-07 Pseudo-Cleft Structures
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Frequently Asked Questions
What form follows what… did was?
The bare or to-infinitive, never the -ing form, as in what she did was quit her job.
What does happens agree with in what happens is (that)?
The singular what, not a later plural idea, as in what happens is that misinformation spreads fast.
Can the -ing form follow what… did was?
No, only the bare or to-infinitive is correct in this structure.
Why are pseudo-cleft sentences useful?
They reorganize information around a what clause to highlight a specific action or general truth.