beginnerA1 · TOCFL a1word ordersentence pattern
是…的
Pattern
Subject + 是 + detail + verb + 的
Key words
Core idea
The 是…的 focus construction highlights a detail about a known event, often when, where, how, or with whom it happened.
The event is usually already real or assumed. The sentence is not mainly announcing that it happened; it is focusing on a detail.
Usage boundary
At this level, use the pattern mostly for past or completed events whose occurrence is not in question. Put the focused detail after 是 and before the verb.
Examples
我是昨天来的。
Wǒ shì zuótiān lái de.
It was yesterday that I came.
他是在台北买的。
Tā shì zài Táiběi mǎi de.
He bought it in Taipei.
你是跟谁去的？
Nǐ shì gēn shéi qù de?
Who did you go with?
Common mistakes
Avoid
我是来昨天的。
Use
我是昨天来的。
The focused detail, such as 昨天, comes after 是 and before the verb.