是…的 (shì...de) — emphasis construction

是…的 (shì...de)

是…的 is an emphasis construction used when the action itself is already known or assumed, and the speaker wants to highlight a specific detail about it: when it happened, where, how, or by whom. 是 can often be omitted in speech, but 的 at the end is required.

Structure

Subject + 是 + [Emphasized Element] + Verb (+ Object) + 的

The emphasized element (time, place, manner, agent) is placed between 是 and the verb.

Example Sentences

我是昨天来的。 Wǒ shì zuótiān lái de. I came yesterday. (Emphasizing when I came.)

这本书是在图书馆借的。 Zhè běn shū shì zài túshūguǎn jiè de. This book was borrowed from the library. (Emphasizing where.)

他是坐飞机来的。 Tā shì zuò fēijī lái de. He came by plane. (Emphasizing how.)

这个蛋糕是妈妈做的。 Zhège dàngāo shì māma zuò de. This cake was made by Mom. (Emphasizing who.)

Collocations

Memory Hook

是 opens the spotlight and 的 closes it. Everything sandwiched between them is lit up for emphasis. Ask yourself: what detail is the speaker putting on stage?