English grammar
What + clause + is... (what-clefts)
Highlight the important thing using a what-clause.
From the scene What worries me most
In short
To highlight the key thing, start with What + subject + verb, then is: What worries me most is the speech.
Your turn
Which one goes with puts the focus at the end?
Options: what you have to do is practise · what worries me most is the speech · what worries me most
Show answer
puts the focus at the end → what worries me most is the speech
How it works
To highlight the most important thing, start with What + subject + verb, then is + the thing: what worries me most is the speech.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
For you. (blank) embarrasses me is speaking in public.
Options: What · That · Who
Show answer
For you. What embarrasses me is speaking in public.
Para ti. Lo que me da vergüenza es hablar en público.
Good to know
This puts the important information at the end of the sentence.
what + clause = 'the thing that' what worries me most
Tomás
What worries me most is the speech.
Lo que más me preocupa es el discurso.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) is the speech.
Options: What worries me most · What you have to do is practise · What I can't do is keep still
Show answer
Tomás
What worries me most is the speech.
Lo que más me preocupa es el discurso.
puts the focus at the end what worries me most is the speech
Tomás
What worries me most is the speech.
Lo que más me preocupa es el discurso.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: What worries me most is the speech · What you have to do is practise · What I can't do is keep still
Show answer
Tomás
What worries me most is the speech.
Lo que más me preocupa es el discurso.
also works with have to what you have to do is practise
Javi
What you have to do is practise with me.
Lo que tienes que hacer es practicar conmigo.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank) with me.
Options: What worries me most · What worries me most is the speech · What you have to do is practise
Show answer
Javi
What you have to do is practise with me.
Lo que tienes que hacer es practicar conmigo.
a negative version what I can't do is keep still
Javi
Me? I'm Colombian. What I can't do is keep still.
¿Yo? Soy colombiano. Lo que no sé es quedarme quieto.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Me? I'm Colombian. (blank).
Options: What worries me most is the speech · What I can't do is keep still · What worries me most
Show answer
Javi
Me? I'm Colombian. What I can't do is keep still.
¿Yo? Soy colombiano. Lo que no sé es quedarme quieto.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| what + clause = 'the thing that' | what worries me most |
|---|---|
| puts the focus at the end | what worries me most is the speech |
| also works with have to | what you have to do is practise |
| a negative version | what I can't do is keep still |
More lines from the story
- TomásFor you. What embarrasses me is speaking in public.Para ti. Lo que me da vergüenza es hablar en público.
- TomásNow what worries me most... is the best man!Ahora lo que más me preocupa... ¡es el padrino!
- NuriaTomás, what is it that worries you most about the wedding?Tomás, ¿qué es lo que más te preocupa de la boda?