Mise en relief (Cleft Sentences)

La mise en relief sert à souligner une partie précise d’une phrase.
En anglais, elle correspond souvent au français « C’est … qui/que… ».

Structure : It is/was + [élément] + that/who + [reste]

Exemples :

• It was Mary who invited Tom to the party.
  * It was in London that I met her.
  * It will be tomorrow that they arrive.

⚠ Attention :

• Préférer that à where/when.
• Après when, pas de will.

Structure : What + [proposition] + is/was + [élément]

Exemples :

• What he needs is patience.
  * What she loves is cooking.
  * What I want is to relax.

Structure : All + [proposition] + is/was + [élément]

Exemples :

• All he wants is to relax.
  * All they need is a chance.

• The person who… → The person who called you was my brother.
  * The thing that… → The thing that bothers me is his attitude.
  * Where / When → Where I first met her was in Paris. / When I saw him was last night.

• Grammaire stricte : It is he who…
  * Usage courant (oral) : It is him that…

Exemples :

• It is he who deserves the credit. (soutenu)
  * It is him that you should listen to. (fréquent à l’oral)

• ❌ It is happens that… → ✔ It happens that…
  * ❌ What I want is relax. → ✔ What I want is to relax.
  * ❌ It will be tomorrow when they will arrive. → ✔ It will be tomorrow that they arrive.

Transforme ces phrases en cleft sentences :

1. John broke the window.  
2. I first met her in Paris.  
3. They will call you tonight.  
4. She needs attention.  
5. Peter solved the problem.