The 是。。。的 construction

Question 1

What is the function of the 是。。。的 construction?

Answer 1

To emphasise the (a) TIME, (b) PLACE, or (c) MANNER in which an action took place IN THE PAST.

Question 2

How is the construction located in the sentence?

Answer 2

是 precedes the word group being emphasised. 的 comes at the end of the sentence, though may precede the object if it is a noun.

Question 3

I went to China last month.

Answer 3

我是上个月去的中国。

Question 4

The first time I ate was at 全聚德, the second time (I ate) was at a restaurant close to university.

Answer 4

第一次是在全聚德吃的， 第二次是在大学附近的饭馆吃的。

Question 5

My friend and I had duck at 全聚德.

Answer 5

我和我朋友是在全聚德吃的烤鸭。