'cleft clause'

[spoon]

Hello,

Here is another question about a cleft clause.

(a) It was slowly that he drove his car on the corner.

Is it possible to put 'an adverb' into between 'it was' and 'that' ?


Thank you very very much!
Spoon

[Bernadetta]

Sounds clumsy.

My suggestion --> He drove his car slowly...

[spoon]

Sounds clumsy.
My suggestion --> He drove his car slowly...

I'd like to know an adverb comes between the focus position of a cleft sentence.

How about this sentence?

It was loudly that Michael announced the election victory.

It's from 'English Syntax and Argumentation' by Bas Aaarts.

I'm confused with cleft usage. Please help me!^^

Thank you very much.
Spoon

[Tdol]

It's a possible structure, but there should be a reason for using it. It can be used for emphasis and to create a rhetorical effect, so you might hear journalists saying 'It was suddenly and without warning that the terrorists struck....' If there's no reason for using it, then I would say not to.

[spoon]

tdol..How can I appreciate for your answer! It's really helpful and clear!

Thanks very very much!

With regards,
Spoon