is ... a
Clefting for Focus
A copular cleft foregrounds an element: Is mise a rinne é. The following relative clause links the focused element to its role.
How It Works
A copular cleft foregrounds an element: Is mise a rinne é. The following relative clause links the focused element to its role.
A cleft uses the copula to focus one part of a statement and a relative clause to supply the rest. Is mise a rinne é contrasts the doer with other possible doers. The focused phrase's relationship to the relative clause determines which relative construction is needed.
Examples (3)
- Is mise a rinne é.
It is I who did it.
- Is Nóra a scríobh an litir.
It is Nóra who wrote the letter.
- Is inniu a thiocfaidh sí.
It is today that she will come.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Link the focused element to a subject or object role in the relative clause.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice is ... a in Bubblegum
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