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… ».

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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*.

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

Exemples :

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

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

Exemples :

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

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• 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.*

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• 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)

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• ❌ 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.

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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.