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HSK 2.0 Level 2+ HSK 3.0 Level 2+ 6 min read

是...的 for Details

Highlight the detail of a known past event.

Pattern

是 + detail + verb + 的

Use 是...的 to emphasize when, where, how, or with whom something happened.

我是昨天来的。

When to use 是...的 for Details

是...的 does not simply make a sentence past tense. It frames a completed, known event and focuses attention on a detail.

他是坐地铁来的。

He came by subway.

你是怎么来的？

How did you come?

她是在北京学的中文。

It was in Beijing that she studied Chinese.

你是什么时候买的？

When did you buy it?

Common traps

  • Do not use 是...的 for every past event.
  • The event should be treated as already happened or known.
  • Keep 的 near the end of the focused event.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

我 昨天来的

Missing grammar piece
Meanings
emphasis marker in 是...的