CHAPTER 48

Using of and off

These two words are not true homophones. The preposition of has a soft v sound, whereas the adverb off

has a distinct f sound. This puts of in the unique position of being the only commonly used English word in
which the letter f has the v sound.
The simple preposition of indicates some type of relationship—distance, direction, origin, material, or
identity.

(^) The adverb off is a much more interesting word. Not only can it be used by itself, but it can also form
compounds or be used as a prefix or a suffix. It indicates movement away from, something unsupported,
or separation.
(^) Spelling rule #1: Off and of should never be used together.
(^) Spelling rule #2. Of should never be used in place of have.