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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing emphasis with 是…的 (shì…de)

    Aspect & Tense
    Emphasis

    Structure

    是 + Emphasized Element + 的

    Explanation

    The 是…的 (shì…de) construction is used to emphasize a specific detail about a past action, such as when, where, how, or by whom it was done. The emphasized element is placed between 是 and 的, drawing the listener's attention to that particular aspect.

    Examples

    • 我是去年来北京的。

      wǒ shì qùnián lái běijīng de.

      I came to Beijing last year.

    • 这本书是他在图书馆借的。

      zhè běn shū shì tā zài túshūguǎn jiè de.

      This book is one he borrowed from the library.

    • 她是坐地铁去上班的。

      tā shì zuò dìtiě qù shàngbān de.

      She takes the subway to work.

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    Expressing emphasis with 是…的 (shì…de) | Chinese Grammar