grammar · academic
It is/was + adjective + that + clause
A cleft structure used to emphasise a part of the sentence by saying 'It is/was + adjective/noun + that + clause'.
Examples
“It is surprising that students can access so many resources online.”
“It was obvious that the project needed more funding.”
“It is important that universities provide career guidance.”
Band 8 sentence
“It was clear that without early intervention many disadvantaged students would fall further behind.”
Collocations
- It is + adjective + that
- It is + noun + that
Common mistakes
It is surprising that she has arrived late yesterday.→It was surprising that she arrived late yesterday.
It is surprised that many people prefer online classes.→It is surprising that many people prefer online classes.
Say it for a higher band
5This is why + clause→6It is + adjective + that + clause (basic use)→7+It is/was + adjective + that + clause
Synonyms
That ... is ...
What ... is ...
Easily confused
That + clause + verb
“That she won the scholarship surprised everyone.”
It is + noun + that ...
“It is her dedication that made the difference.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Complex sentences
Learn it with its set