What introduces a clause meaning the thing which, as in what I need is more time, while all adds the meaning the only thing, as in all I want is peace. The one who is used specifically for people, since what cannot refer to a person, and the verb be agrees with the focused element that follows it.
Grammar Rule
What introduces a clause meaning the thing which. All adds the meaning the only thing, implying restriction. The thing that is a more explicit, formal paraphrase of what. The one who is used specifically for people, since what cannot refer to a person. The verb be agrees with the focused element that follows it, not with the introductory clause.
Cleft Sentences with All, What, The Thing That, The One Who: Rules and Examples
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| What + clause + is/was | the thing which | What I need is more time. |
| All + clause + is/was | the only thing | All I want is peace. |
| The one who + is/was | used for people, never what | The one who solved the puzzle was Maria. |
Remember: Use the one who for people (never what), and make is/was agree with the noun phrase that follows it, not with the introductory clause.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using cleft sentences with all, what, and the thing that 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.
C2-43 Cleft Sentences with All, What, The Thing That, The One Who
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does what introduce in a cleft sentence?
A clause meaning the thing which, as in what I need is more time.
What does all add to the meaning?
The only thing, as in all I want is peace.
Which form is used for people?
The one who, since what cannot refer to a person, as in the one who solved the puzzle was Maria.
What does the verb be agree with?
The focused element that follows it, not the introductory clause.