When learning English, it is common to encounter phrases like ‘What is truly important is…’ and wonder why the construction ‘Truly important is…’ doesn’t sound right. In this article, we will break down the grammatical structure of ‘What is’ and explain its importance, as well as explore why the alternative phrasing doesn’t work in this case.
What Does ‘What is’ Mean in English?
The phrase ‘What is’ in English serves as an introductory structure to a sentence. It is used to present a subject or an idea, often in the form of a question or a statement of importance. In the sentence ‘What is truly important is…’, ‘What is’ functions as a way to introduce the subject of the sentence — what is truly important — before making a statement about it.
This structure is very common in English because it emphasizes the subject of the sentence before making a key point. It adds clarity to the sentence and makes the idea more impactful. For example, ‘What is necessary for success is hard work’ clearly emphasizes the concept of what is necessary for success.
Why ‘Truly Important is’ Doesn’t Work
While ‘Truly important is…’ might seem grammatically correct at first glance, it actually sounds awkward because it lacks the introductory ‘What is’. Without this structure, the sentence becomes incomplete and doesn’t effectively highlight the subject. English typically prefers a subject-verb-object order, and ‘Truly important is’ would place the adjective (‘truly important’) at the beginning in a way that feels disconnected from the rest of the sentence.
In contrast, ‘What is truly important is…’ clearly introduces the subject (‘what is truly important’) and then completes the thought with the rest of the sentence. This makes the sentence both grammatically correct and more natural to native speakers.
How to Formulate Clear English Sentences
When constructing English sentences, it is essential to ensure clarity by introducing the subject properly. Phrases like ‘What is…’ help you organize your thoughts and emphasize the most important aspect of your statement. For example, ‘What is necessary for a good relationship is trust’ clearly presents the topic and then elaborates on it.
Without ‘What is’, a sentence can become disjointed or harder to understand. English speakers rely on sentence structures that clearly state the subject and the verb, followed by the rest of the information.
Summary
The phrase ‘What is truly important is…’ is grammatically correct and natural in English, while ‘Truly important is…’ feels incomplete and awkward. The key to constructing clear English sentences lies in properly introducing the subject with phrases like ‘What is’. This structure helps make your ideas more coherent and impactful. By understanding and applying this basic principle, you’ll be able to speak and write in a more fluent and grammatically accurate way.
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