Idea / Idea of?

Question

Hello EF!Can you please tell me which one of the following sentences is correct?I have no idea of what I'm doing.I have no idea what I'm doing.

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

NugsoHello EF!Can you please tell me which one of the following sentences is correct?

I have no idea of what I'm doing.

I have no idea what I'm doing.

The second one. The "of" is incorrect.

Nugso · Answer

Hi Grammar Geek. Thank you but I do still have problems understanding it.

Example 1: Do you have any idea of what these repairs will cost?

Example 2: I have no idea what you're talking about.

These sentences are quoted from Merriam-Webster's for learners. Why is of used in the first sentence but not in the second one?

Daylighttt · Answer

Hi, Grammar Geek. Instead of the word "of", if we put "about," will it be correct then?. Thanks in advance.

BarbaraPA · Answer

I should say that it's not correct in my dialect of English. It may be correct elsewhere.

When you use the phrase "I have no idea" you don't follow it with any preposition.
I have no idea what I'm doing.
I have no idea how that happened..
I have no idea where we are.

Maybe it's just idiomatic. I can't give you a grammar explanation.

Nugso · Answer

Thank you again Grammar Geek. Well, I think I had never seen " I have no idea" being followed with of either until CalifJim wrote it I think.( Is that sentence correct?). Too bad I could not ask at that time.

Peter Nisbet · Answer

Think of it in terms of not having the 'no'.

So, "I have an idea about something' is correct, but

'I have an idea of something ' is not right- doesn't even sound right when you say it.

Also correct::about anythng
I have no idea why I am here
I have no idea to whom I am married
I have no idea
I have no idea whether or not I am correct with all of This! (not 100% correct!).

Tarirotari · Answer

NugsoHi Grammar Geek. Thank you but I do still have problems understanding it.Example 1: Do you have any idea of what these repairs will cost?Example 2: I have no idea what you're talking about.These sentences are quoted from Merriam-Webster's for learners. Why is of used in the first sentence but not in the second one?

In both sentences we have a subordinate wh- interrogative clause:
what these repairs will cost
what you're talking about

According to my grammar books, the use of a preposition before this kind of subordinate clauses is optional; therefore, both sentences would be correct with or without of. Two more examples:

I have solved the problem of what to wear for the party. (correct)
I have solved the problem what to wear for the party. (correct)

I am not sure about which to choose. (correct)
I am not sure which to choose.. (correct)

Said this, as Grammar Geek suggested, I suppose in many cases the inclusion of the preposition is a matter of usage.

CalifJim · Answer

tarirotariIn both sentences we have a subordinate wh- interrogative clause: what these repairs will cost what you're talking about According to my grammar books, the use of a preposition before this kind of subordinate clauses is optional; therefore, both sentences would be correct with or without of.

Exactly. On the other hand, if a simple noun (NP) follows, the "of" is included.

I have no idea of the origin of that expression.
He had no idea of the enormity of the problem.
She won't have any idea of the cultural implications of that remark.

CJ

Nugso · Answer

Got it. I think I see now. Thank you very much CalifJim and taritari!

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