Difference between revisions of "Of"

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(preposition)
(preposition)
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=preposition=
 
=preposition=
A very dissatisfying definition on the semantic level, but syntactically <i>of</i> is followed inexorably by a nominal (unlike <i>to</i>, for example). <br /><br />
+
A very dissatisfying definition on the semantic level, but syntactically <i>of</i> is followed inexorably by a nominal (unlike <i>to</i>, for example). <br><br>
  
 
  It is interesting to note that <i>of</i> is rarely found outside of the Noun Phrase (NP).  When it is, it tends to be used with past participles.
 
  It is interesting to note that <i>of</i> is rarely found outside of the Noun Phrase (NP).  When it is, it tends to be used with past participles.

Revision as of 17:08, 20 January 2013

preposition, rarely particle, NP junctor

Introduction

often marks a possessor, or a filiation with a larger ensemble

  • That car of hers is a real mess.
  • That kid of his is a real mess.
  • That part of the house is a real mess.

etymology

from off

translation

Most often, de

preposition

A very dissatisfying definition on the semantic level, but syntactically of is followed inexorably by a nominal (unlike to, for example).

It is interesting to note that of is rarely found outside of the Noun Phrase (NP).  When it is, it tends to be used with past participles.
  • The yarn is woven of fine silver and gold threads.

Though the present participle is also possible:

  • I wonder what my daughter is making of all this talk about "Mariage for Everyone"

NP junctor

N1 of N2 vs. N2 N1

  • school of music // music school
  • a friend of mine // my friend
  • the ace of spades // *the king of white
  • the spade ace // the white king
  • left of center ≠ center left

partitive

  • part of the picture
  • a piece of the pie
  • made up of visible and other, darker matters

more complicated cases

  • a hell of a problem
  • that jerk (of a) brother of mine