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Little Girl Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

of/-

Hi. I wonder if that "OF" is optional here and is merely a matter of choice and style, Google shows search results for it either way and in the same context. However, the results for it without "of" are more, and I, personally, also like it without "of". What's your take?

To enlighten the young minds OF today
  

Top answer

Hello, Little Girl—and welcome to English Forums. The thrusts of the statements are somewhat different: To enlighten the young minds of today -- This focuses more on the enlightenment of minds. To enlighten the young minds today -- This focuses more on enlightment today.

— Mister Micawber

  • Hello, Little Girl—and welcome to English Forums.
  • The thrusts of the statements are somewhat different: To enlighten the young minds of today -- This focuses more on the enlightenment of minds.
  • To enlighten the young minds today -- This focuses more on enlightment today.
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7 Answers
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Hello, Little Girl—and welcome to English Forums.

The thrusts of the statements are somewhat different:

To enlighten the young minds of today -- This focuses more on the enlightenment of minds.
To enlighten the young minds today -- This focuses more on enlightment today.
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Hello, Mister Micawber. Thanks for your response. Could you please elucidate the second thrust as to what kind of enlightenment would be meant if one opts to say it that way? Wouldn't it still be the enlightenment of the minds of young people?

For example, if one says this, what way would it be more appropriate?

I intend to enlighten the young mind (OF) today and help them deal w
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To enlighten the young minds of today -- 'Of today' is an adjective modifying 'young minds'
To enlighten the young minds today -- 'Today' is an adverb modifying the whole sentence.
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I see. Thanks for such a precise and brilliant explanation. In the context, therefore, I have "of today" would be more approrpriate. What's your take, please?
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