# Là + adjective: emphatic là + adjective in Vietnamese

> Beginners learn that an adjective needs no là: Phòng này rộng. That stays true for everyday sentences.

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/la-adj-emphatic/ · Updated 2026-10-17

**emphatic là + adjective**

Pattern: `[person or thing] + là + (rất) + [adjective] · … rằng + [subject] + là + [adjective]`

Level: B2 (our estimate) · Register: formal · Medium: written

Typed without accents: la

Beginners learn that an adjective needs no *là*: *Phòng này rộng.* That stays true for everyday sentences. But in reports, news and papers you'll often see *là* before an adjective: *Việc kiểm tra định kỳ là cần thiết.* Regular inspection is necessary.

It appears when the subject is long or abstract, especially a phrase starting with *việc* (the doing of …) or *điều này* (this). The *là* shows where the subject ends and the judgement begins, so the reader doesn't get lost. It goes with adjectives of judgement: *cần thiết* (necessary), *quan trọng* (important), *hợp lý* (reasonable), *khả thi* (feasible), *rõ ràng* (clear). A degree word can sit in between: *là rất quan trọng*, *là hoàn toàn hợp lý*.

You also meet it after *rằng*, when someone gives an opinion: *Nhóm nghiên cứu cho rằng giải pháp này là khả thi.* The research team believes this solution is feasible.

With a short, simple subject, writers usually leave it out: *Giá vé rẻ.* The ticket is cheap.

In speech, *là* before an adjective adds emphasis, a bit like "really is": *Quán này là ngon nhất.* This place is the best. For a plain description, the adjective alone is still right.

## Examples

- Việc kiểm tra an toàn thực phẩm định kỳ là cần thiết. — Regular food safety inspections are necessary.
- Điều này là hoàn toàn phù hợp với quy định hiện hành. — This is entirely in line with current regulations.
- Kết quả cho thấy mô hình đề xuất là khả thi trong điều kiện thực tế. — The results show that the proposed model is feasible in real conditions.
- Sự tham gia của phụ huynh là rất quan trọng đối với thành công của chương trình. — Parents' involvement is very important to the programme's success.

## Compare

- [Adjectives need no là: Chị ấy đẹp](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/adj-no-la/): no 'to be' before adjectives

Previous in Là, có, and how verbs work together: [Hearing this, seeing that: a verb phrase before the subject (Nghe tin, cô ấy khóc)](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/fronted-verb-phrase/)

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