Use of "of"

Question

Why is "that big of a deal" wrong? I have been searching for an explanation and have not found the grammatical rule about the use of "of" between an adjective and object, as in such a phrase.

I know the correct form is "that big a deal" without the "of" but why is it correct?!

Thank you -

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Anonymous"that big of a deal"

Both forms are slang. One is just a bit lower than the other.

In standard English, the "of" would not be correct:

How big [of] a piece of cake would you like?

I don't want that big [of] a piece!

I don't know how long [of] a trip he's planning.

You're asking me why it's wrong? I'll tell you: I don't know.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Why is "that big of a deal" wrong? I have been searching for an explanation and have not found the grammatical rule about the use of "of" between an adjective and object, as in such a phrase.

I know the correct form is "that big a deal" without the "of" but why is it correct?!

It's just how educated people say it. Here is a bit more discusssion.

This usage is not just resticted to the adjective 'big'. Broadly speaking, it applies to all adjectives.

Consider the following, which are all correct.

I want a red sweater.

I don't want a red sweater.

I don't want a sweater that is that red. (ie that has that degree of red)

I don't want that red a sweater.

I'm trying to show that the adjective 'that red' is simply transferred to the front positiion.

We don't correctly say

I don't want that red of a sweater.

It isn't that big of a deal.

Another adjectival modifier that works the same way is 'so'. eg

It's so red a sweater.

It's so big a deal.

Clive

Englishmaven · Answer

Clive,

That was a nice explanation. Englishmaven

Avangi · Answer

CliveIt's just how educated people say it.

Why couldn't I think of that?

Use of "of"

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