Topic Emphasis with 是
Highlight the part of a statement that matters most.
Pattern
Topic + 是 + comment focus
Use 是 to sharpen contrast or emphasis, not just identity.
我是昨天给他打电话的。
When to use Topic Emphasis with 是
是 can emphasize a focused part of a sentence, especially in contrastive or corrective statements. It points the listener to the key information.
不是我不想去，是我没时间。
It is not that I do not want to go; I do not have time.
重点不是速度，而是质量。
The key point is not speed, but quality.
这个问题是他发现的。
It was he who discovered this problem.
我说的是这个意思。
What I mean is this meaning.
Common traps
- Do not mistake emphasis 是 for simple identity 是.
- The focused detail should be worth emphasizing.
- 不是...而是... corrects one idea with another.
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
Keep this pattern in review.
You just practiced a real grammar card. Create a free account to save this pattern, schedule the next review, and keep studying from where you left off.
$4.99
HSK Access
One-time
Best Value
$9.99
Yearly Unlimited
Per year
$19.99
Lifetime
One-time