Much

The version with "of" does not sound quite right to me.

Actually, the one with "of" is the original (I've found afterwards that the author is Chinese, though).

Then what about these? Does one sound better than the other? Or are they both natural and the same in meaning?

They are as much a part of them as their arms or legs.
They are as much of a part of them as their arm or leg

And these?

TakaThey are as much a part of them as their arms or legs.They are as much of a part of them as their arm or leg And these?She is as much a composer as a singer .She is as much of a composer as a singer.

These are the same again. "of" shouldn't be there.

OK. So "as much X as Y" is not the same as "as much of X as Y." Good.

Then, what is the semantic difference between them? Could you tell me what exactly "as much of X as Y" means? I would appreciate it if you gave me an example by which I could tell the difference in meaning.

TakaThen, what is the semantic difference between them? Could you tell me what exactly "as much of X as Y" means? I would appreciate it if you gave me an example by which I could tell the difference in meaning.

I can't think of a case parallel to the original where a direct comparison is possible. However, the pattern "as much of ~ as ~" can work in other ways

I think things are getting clearer. The kind I'm thinking about is probably the same as your last example.

Walking is as much of an activity as running.

Here, it's basically "Running is much of an activity" + "Walking is also much of an activity." So "X is as much of Y as Z" is "Z is really Y and X is also really Y."

But "X is as much Y as Z" such as "She is as mu

Yes, that looks mostly right.

TakaHere, it's basically "Running is much of an activity" + "Walking is also much of an activity."

To be fussy, you don't need the "much of" in this expansion.

TakaBut "X is as much Y as Z" such as "She is as much a composer as a singer" is different. It's "X is both Y and Z."

Yes, in that case. H

From your example, these are not the same, are they? Does the second one make sense at all?

I'm as much of a fan as you (are).
I'm as much a fan as you (are).

TakaFrom your example, these are not the same, are they? Does the second one make sense at all?I'm as much of a fan as you (are).I'm as much a fan as you (are).

Yes, the second one makes sense. The meaning is nearly the same. However, where there is a nuance of difference, the first one is more about comparing degress of fandom, and the second one more about a

GPY. The meaning is nearly the same. However, where there is a nuance of difference, the first one is more about comparing degress of fandom, and the second one more about a binary comparison. At least, that is my perception.

So in #1 You and I are not just fans; they are both big fans whereas in #2 it is not clear how fanatical they are. Is that what you mean