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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Usage of 'of'
Could you please explain when it is appropriate to use 'of' in attributes (such as 'explaining of usage') instead of noun+noun (such as 'usage explanation'). Is there any difference in the meaning?
Top answer
Well, your first one sounds very awkward indeed. Do you have a better example?
- Well, your first one sounds very awkward indeed.
- Do you have a better example?
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6 Answers
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Well, your first one sounds very awkward indeed. Do you have a better example?
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That's better!
'testing of brand concepts' vs 'brand concept testing' (The noun is normally singular as an attributive adjective.)
I can imagine no real difference in meaning. The noun+noun form is more direct, but often requires being coined, where the 'of' form is a pre-existing grammatical structure. I also suspect that the 'of' form is popular among academic writers
'testing of brand concepts' vs 'brand concept testing' (The noun is normally singular as an attributive adjective.)
I can imagine no real difference in meaning. The noun+noun form is more direct, but often requires being coined, where the 'of' form is a pre-existing grammatical structure. I also suspect that the 'of' form is popular among academic writers
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So do I get it right that it depends on formal/informal writing and the length of the attributive nouns?
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That's the difference that I envision, yes. Overall, my suggestion is that for good, direct writing style, try out the noun-noun form first, and then go to the 'of' form if n+n doesn't look/sound right.
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