Abstract

English it-cleft is a constant topic in linguistic study. Previous work on it-clefts resided in their structural and
functional aspects and neglected their cognitive basis. This paper is an attempt to consider the form and function
of it-clefts within the framework of Cognitive Linguistics. Most previous studies of it-clefts have paid no
attention to the status of “it” and “copular be” which is generally believed to be dummy. Following the tenets of
Cognitive Linguistics, every form has its own meaning or function. This paper argues that the function of “it” as
a pronoun is relative to the cleft clause, which is modified by the clause. “Copular be” performs the function of
identifying in it-clefts. The paper then uses the concepts of Recency Effect, figure-ground and grounding theory
to account for the information distribution, cognitive motivation of it-clefts.

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