Despite these words of and off being very short in terms of spelling, they are among the most commonly misused words in the English language. Despite the similiarity in spelling (only an extra “f” in off), these two terms actually have different pronunciation. Of is pronounced with the [v] sound at the end while off is pronounced with the [f] sound. Let us establish the differences between the uses of these words.
Of is a preposition with numerous functions. Below are some of its uses.
It can be used to show posession, belonging, or origin.
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It can also used after words or phrases that express amount, number, or a particular unit.
Police: Indiana traffic stop turns up kilo of cocaine
Chicago Sun Times
Of can also be utilized in expressions demonstrating position.
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In some cases, it may be used to mean “made or consisting of” or “having.”
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Meanwhile, off can also be used in a variety of ways. Below are some of its uses.
It can be used as an adverb meaning “away from the place in question; to or at a distance.”
Billionaire venture capitalist loses legal battle to keep public off California beach
The IndependentPolice: Patient Drove off in Unattended Ambulance
U.S. News & World Report
As an adverb, it may also mean “so as to be removed or separated.”
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Arkansas Online
Off may also be used as a preposition meaning “moving away and often down from” or “situated or leading in a direction away from a main route or intersection.”
Grant to Help Lynn Police Get Impaired Drivers Off the Road
Daily ItemHomeless children forced to eat on their beds or the floor
Irish TimesScores of Teenage Migrants Were ‘Deliberately Drowned’ by Smugglers off the Coast of Yemen
Time
It may also be used as an adjective which means “characterized by someone performing or feeling worse than usual, unsatisfactory or inadequate.”
“There’s something off about her” Jamie Jewitt’s friend reveals what she REALLY thinks about his Love Island beau Camilla Thurlow
Mirror.co.uk“UConn’s Crystal Dangerfield had an off game, making 1 of 9 shots for three points along with two assists and two steals.”
Hartford Courant
Now that you have learned the differences between the uses of the words of and off, you may be able to say that you will never be off with your use of these terms.
