Preposition off/from

Question

A book is on the table.John took the book from the table.John took the book off the table.Can you point out the correct statment in this context?Can you please explain the difference betwen 'from' and 'off' in this context?Thanks!

Philip · Accepted Answer

I see no difference in this case.

MaanuMp · Answer

Is there any rules for selecting the prepositions 'off' and 'from'?

CalifJim · Answer

MaanuMpCan you please explain the difference betwen 'from' and 'off' in this context?

There is only a small difference.

When you say from, you emphasize that the movement was away from the table -- in contrast to toward or to the table. Where did he get the book (from)? Where did the book come from?

When you say off, you emphasize the removal of the book (upward) from the surface of the table -- in contrast to putting the book on the table. What was the book on? On what surface was the book?

In my own mind, I see "from the table" as a walking away from the table -- a horizontal movement; I see "off the table" as a lifting up from the table -- a vertical movement.

CJ

Preposition off/from

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