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.

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

我(Wǒ)们(men)是(shì)来(lái)旅(lǚ)游(yóu)的(de)。

We came here to travel.

我们 + 是 + 来旅游 + 的 we + 是 + come to travel + 的

我(wǒ)们(men)we

是(shì……)……的(de)emphasises the purpose

来(lái)旅(lǚ)游(yóu)to come to travel

This sentence emphasises the purpose of coming.

苹(Píng)果(guǒ)在(zài)哪儿(nǎr)买(mǎi)的(de)？

Where did you buy the apples?

苹果 + 在哪儿 + 买 + 的？ apples + where + buy + 的?

苹(píng)果(guǒ)apple

在(zài)哪儿(nǎr)where

买(mǎi)to buy

的(de)used 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(Wǒ)们(men)不(bú)是(shì)坐(zuò)出(chū)租(zū)车(chē)去(qù)的(de)。

We did not go by taxi.

我们 + 不是 + 坐出租车 + 去 + 的 we + not + by taxi + go + 的

我(wǒ)们(men)we

不(bú)是(shì……)……的(de)the negative form

坐(zuò)出(chū)租(zū)车(chē)by taxi

去(qù)to go

This sentence negates the means of travel. Because it is negative, “是” cannot be dropped: 不是……的

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.