Of vs. Off
In modern English, both these words, namely ‘of’ and ‘off’, are used quite frequently. Furthermore, they are used so frequently that people often confuse them in many occasions. For example in this sentence: ‘He took off with the money.” In some instances one will see people writing it as: ‘He took of with the money’. There are other confusions like these, and in this article we will try to lay out the differences between the two words.
The word ‘of’ has several functions in a sentence. One of which is its function as a preposition. The prepositional function is more often in use. The preposition, as a type of word, has several functions in a sentence. However, the main function of the preposition is usually to denote various relations that are described in the sentence.
As a function of a preposition, the word ‘of’ does just that. For instance, ‘of’ is used to indicate a point of reckoning: “North of the lake.’ It is also commonly used to point out the material, parts, or elements of something: ‘Throne of gold,’ or ‘cup of water.’ One of the frequent uses of this verb as a preposition, is its use in indicating a possessive relation: ‘King of England.’ There are other meanings and uses of this word when it is used as a preposition, but we will not dig deeper, as there are far too many.
On the contrary, ‘off’ is also a very common word. It has quite a few functions in the English language, but the most common of which are the functions of an adverb and a preposition. The more familiar of the two, is the adverbial function. It is also used to describe a state of discontinuance, or suspension: “Turn off the lights.’
The prepositional function of ‘off’ is also a commonality. Here, it can be used as a word to indicate the physical separation or distance from a position of rest, attachment, or union: ‘Take it off the table’, or ‘a shop just off the main street.’
It should also be noticed that both these words have a common etymology, that is, both terms are derived from the same word. Alongside the similarities in pronunciation, this is probably one of the main reasons why people confuse the two.
So to summarize, the two words differ in the following areas:
1. ‘Of’ is mostly used as a preposition, and therefore, should be used when a preposition is needed. ‘Off’ is usually used as an adverb, and should be used in cases where an adverb is needed.
2. ‘Of’ is more often used in sentences, while ‘off’ is used less frequently.
3. ‘Off’ is used in conjunction with verbs, which is not the case with ‘of’.
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There’s people who really don’t know the difference between of and off and their native language is English. x.x If you really don’t know the differences between those for the very least then you’re truly stupid.
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That’s harsh!
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To be consistent why don’t Americans say “got on of the bus”
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WOW Nikki,
Mad much? Most people don’t know because:
#1. It’s confusing
#2. Not everyone is an English major.
Saying what you said above… just makes you seem ignorant and truly makes you a bigot. Instead of helping people, you simply put them down.
“If you really don’t know the differences between those for the very least then you’re truly stupid.”
…just makes you seem ignorant and truly makes you a bigot. Instead of helping people, you simply put them down.
GREAT JOB! (sarcastically)
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Bad harted
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I agree with mike
Don’t be such a jerk niki
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I really can’t believe in 21st century we have one arrogant-ignorant like Nikki.
Hey Nikki, do you know the meaning of your name???
Fully agree with Mike.
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Ms. Better than thou Nikki, have you never, ever had a brain cramp? In OTHER WORDS, POSSIBLY SIMILAR to my question. I have had the worst year of my life, but trust me when I tell you, the very last thing I expected was a scarcastic, mean, hateful response as the result of inquiring concerning a truely innocent question/CONFIRMATION of a 2 letter word. I am tired, mentally and physically and the last, truley the last response I expected was yours.
I wish you, Nikki, a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful, Happy and Prosperous New Year. In addition, may you never, ever have a brain cramp and have to lower yourself to set yourself up for the embarresment you saw fit to inflict on me!
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Nikki
You should be ashamed OF yourself
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Hi it’s a long time since I’ve been at school. So was just curious to see when to use it and when not..I agree with the people here. Nicki just because your memories still refreshed doesn’t mean in fifteen years time it won’t be. Why not help people instead of shame them??. It’s nice to be nice. I don’t like people that think they’re above others . Learn some manners please.
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definetely nikki should be ashamed
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