Meaning
A pseudo-cleft construction that highlights the most important element in a situation.
Primary Function
Emphasis – highlighting core element
Communicative Purpose
To single out the most crucial factor.
Pattern
What matters is
Core Structure
What matters is
Função primária
Emphasis – highlighting core element
Propósito comunicativo
To single out the most crucial factor.
Situações de gatilho
Summary, decision-making, motivational speech
Contextos
Conversation, professional guidance, essays
Padrão
What matters is
Estrutura central
What matters is
Slots de substituição
clause (what matters is that …)
Colocados típicos
- is that
- is not
- is whether
Substituições comuns
- what counts is
- what really matters is
- the important thing is
Erros comuns
Subject-verb agreement; 'What matters are…' is incorrect because the whole clause remains singular.
Similar / contraste
the key thing is, the bottom line is, all that matters is
Interferências
The pseudo‑cleft uses a singular verb regardless of the complement (e.g., it does not become plural).
Família do chunk
- Pseudo-cleft emphasis
Nuance
Very effective for focusing on priorities and avoiding ambiguity about plurality or tense.
Efeito pragmático
Clarifies what should be concentrated on in discourse.
Dica de memória
What matters is … – the bottom line
Nota
This pseudo-cleft construction is used to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation or topic. It is particularly useful in contexts where clarity and emphasis on priorities are essential.
Upgrade path
What matters is → The crucial factor is → Of primary importance is
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