The “是……的” construction
The “是……的” (shì... de) construction is used to emphasise when, where, how, by whom or for what purpose an action took place.
Core meaning
The construction emphasises not the action itself but its circumstances.
For example:
when it happened;
where it happened;
how it happened;
who did it;
what it was done for.
Basic structure
是 + the emphasised part + 的
Important rule: in statements and questions “是” may be dropped.
（是）……的
But in negative sentences “是” cannot be dropped.
不是……的
Examples
我们是来旅游的
我们wǒmenwe
是……的shì……deemphasises the purpose
来旅游lái lǚyóuto come to travel
This sentence emphasises the purpose of coming.
苹果在哪儿买的？
苹果píngguǒapple
在哪儿zài nǎrwhere
买mǎito buy
的deused to emphasise where it happened
Here “是” has been dropped.
The full form is:
苹果是在哪儿买的？
The question is about the place of the purchase.
我们不是坐出租车去的
我们wǒmenwe
不是……的bú shì……dethe negative form
坐出租车zuò chūzūchēby taxi
去qùto go
This sentence negates the means of travel.
Because it is negative, “是” cannot be dropped:
不是……的
Quick rule
是……的
It emphasises the time, place, manner, agent or purpose of the action.
Statement / question:
（是）……的
“是” may be dropped.
Negative:
不是……的
“是” cannot be dropped.