Using structures to emphasize a point
Using structures to emphasize a point
I Focusing what clause
II Inversion
III Not only
I Focusing what clause
If we want to focus attention on certain information in a sentence,
we can use a
what clause followed by
be .
The information we want to focus on comes after the verb
be .
We often do this when we want to introduce a new topic, to give a reason,
instruction or explanation, or to correct something that has been said or done.
Eg
What I want you to do is your math homework.
What made me happy was when we played cards together.
It is possible to replace
What by
The thing that .
Eg
The thing that made me happy was when we played cards together.
To emphasise an action performed by someone, we use a sentence with what ... do
Eg
We didn't buy a new car. What we did was (to) repair our car.
II Inversion
Negative adverbials can be used at the beginning of a clause to emphasize information.
The subject and verb are inverted just like in questions.
Here are some adverbials you can use in such a structure:
rarely, barely, seldom, no sooner...than, hardly, when/before,
e.t.c.
Eg
Barely had he started to eat when the phone rang again.
No sooner had Peter got home than he had to leave again.
III Not only
To add information that is important,
not only can be used. The subject
and the verb are inverted.
Eg
Not only is she poor, but she is ill too/as well.
Not only did he ruin my helmet, but he broke my motorbike too.