是...的 Sentence 2: Emphasizing Opinion or Attitude
"是……的"句2：强调说话人的看法或态度
Use 是……的 to emphasize the speaker's subjective opinion, judgment, or attitude about something
Place 是 before an adjective or modal expression and 的 at the end of the sentence. This pattern asserts the speaker's firm opinion or attitude about the subject, rather than highlighting time, place, or manner as in the basic 是……的 sentence.
In HSK 2-3, you learned 是……的 to emphasize when, where, or how something happened (past focus). This new usage does not refer to the past at all — it expresses the speaker's current judgment or belief. The adjective or modal phrase between 是 and 的 carries the speaker's subjective evaluation.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: 是...的 Sentence 2: Emphasizing Opinion or Attitude ("是……的"句2：强调说话人的看法或态度)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the "是……的"句2：强调说话人的看法或态度 pattern
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Understanding "是……的"句2：强调说话人的看法或态度
You already know the classic 是……的 pattern from earlier levels: 我是在北京学的中文 (It was in Beijing that I learned Chinese). That usage focuses on past events. Now at HSK 4, you meet a completely different 是……的 — one that has nothing to do with the past. This new pattern expresses the speaker's opinion, judgment, or firm belief. When you say 这个问题是可以解决的, you are asserting "this problem CAN be solved" — you are expressing confidence. When you say 这道题是很简单的, you are insisting on your view that the question is simple. The 是 adds emphasis and conviction, while 的 closes the assertion. Without 是……的, the sentence is a plain statement; with it, you are taking a stance. This pattern is especially useful in debates, discussions, and persuasion — whenever you need to declare your position clearly.
Key Points
- This 是……的 expresses opinion/attitude, NOT past tense emphasis.
- The structure wraps around an adjective or modal verb phrase: 是 + [adjective/modal phrase] + 的.
- 是 adds emphasis and conviction — it signals "I firmly believe that..."
- Common with adjectives: 是很好的, 是正确的, 是可能的, 是重要的.
- Common with modal verbs: 是可以的, 是应该的, 是不会发生的.
- The negative form places 不 inside: 是不可能的, 是不对的, 是绝对不会发生的.
- Removing 是……的 makes the sentence a neutral statement; adding it makes it an emphatic assertion.
In Chinese communication, directly stating strong opinions can be softened or strengthened depending on context. The 是……的 pattern is often used in formal discussions, academic settings, and news commentary to present opinions as well-considered judgments rather than casual remarks.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这个问题是可以解决的。
This problem can be solved.
Expressing confidence
这道题是很简单的。
This question is (indeed) very simple.
Asserting an opinion
那样的事情是绝对不会发生的。
That kind of thing will absolutely not happen.
Strong assertion
他的做法是正确的。
His approach is correct.
学好中文是需要时间的。
Learning Chinese well does require time.
这件事是不应该发生的。
This matter should not have happened.
他的成绩是很优秀的。
His grades are indeed excellent.
Common Mistakes
Do not forget 的 at the end. The 是……的 frame must be complete — 是 and 的 work as a pair to express the emphatic opinion.
In this pattern, adjectives typically need a degree adverb like 很, 非常, or 特别 before them. Without it, the sentence sounds incomplete.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Do not confuse this with the past-tense 是……的 (e.g., 我是昨天来的). This pattern is about opinions, not the past.
Think of 是……的 as adding invisible quotation marks around your opinion — you are declaring it with conviction.
This pattern is great for debates and essays: 这个观点是正确的, 这种方法是有效的.
Practice converting plain statements to emphatic ones: 这很重要 → 这是很重要的.
Homework
Write six sentences using the opinion-emphasis 是……的 pattern: three with adjectives (e.g., 是很重要的, 是正确的) and three with modal verbs (e.g., 是可以的, 是不会……的). Explain in English what opinion you are emphasizing in each sentence.