Of vs. Off: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 24, 2024
"Of" indicates belonging, origin, or composition, while "Off" suggests separation, distance, or deactivation.
Key Differences
"Of" is a preposition used to indicate relationships, belonging, or possession, as in "the color of the sky." "Off," also a preposition, denotes detachment or separation from a surface or point, such as "take the book off the shelf." They serve different grammatical roles in a sentence.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
"Of" can signify origin or source, like in "a citizen of Canada," suggesting where someone or something comes from. "Off," on the other hand, is often used to indicate distance or removal, as in "keep off the grass," implying a directive to maintain distance from the grass.
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Jan 24, 2024
In terms of composition or make-up, "of" is used, for instance, "a team of players." Conversely, "off" is used to suggest a state of inactivity or non-operation, such as "the lights are off," indicating that the lights are not in use.
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Jan 24, 2024
"Of" is employed to denote a specific time or period, like "the morning of April 5th." In contrast, "off" is used in contexts implying cessation or moving away, as in "jump off the bridge," which involves moving away from the bridge.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
When indicating a part or segment of something, "of" is used, as in "a piece of cake." In contrast, "off" is used to signify a state of not being in normal operation or engagement, like in "day off from work," indicating a break from work.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Preposition of relation or belonging
Preposition of separation or distance
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Jan 24, 2024
Indication of Source
Shows origin, e.g., "song of a bird"
Suggests removal, e.g., "take off shoes"
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Jan 24, 2024
Relation to Time
Specifies time, e.g., "night of June"
Implies a break, e.g., "day off"
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Jan 24, 2024
Denoting Composition
Implies makeup, e.g., "made of gold"
Indicates deactivation, e.g., "lights off"
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Jan 24, 2024
Usage in Directions
Rare in directional sense
Common in directions, e.g., "turn off road"
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Jan 24, 2024
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Of and Off Definitions
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Off
So as to be no longer on, attached, or connected
He shaved off his mustache.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
So as to be separated or relieved from
Robbed of one's dignity.
Cured of distemper.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
So as to be no longer continuing, operating, or functioning
She switched off the radio.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
From the total or group comprising
Give of one's time.
Two of my friends.
Most of the cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
So as to be completely removed, finished, or eliminated
Will the cats kill off the mice?.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
So as to be in a state of sudden violent or loud activity
The firecracker went off. The alarm went off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
So as to be away from or not engaged in work or duty
They took a day off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
With reference to; about
Think highly of her proposals.
Will speak of it later.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Not up to standard; below a normal or satisfactory level
Your pitching is off today.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Absent, away from, or not engaged in work or duty
She's off every Tuesday.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
(Sports) Toward or designating the side of the field facing the batsman in cricket.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
From, away from (a position, number, distance etc.).
There are no shops within twenty miles of the cottage.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with the action indicated by a transitive verb and the quality or substance by a grammatical object.
Finally she was relieved of the burden of caring for her sick husband.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with resulting state indicated by an adjective.
He seemed devoid of human feelings.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(obsolete) Indicating removal, absence or separation, construed with an intransitive verb.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Indicating an ancestral source or origin of descent.
The word is believed to be of Japanese origin.
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Jan 02, 2024
Of
Introducing an epithet that indicates a birthplace, residence, dominion, or other place associated with the individual.
Jesus of Nazareth (after hometown)
Anselm of Canterbury (after diocese)
Anselm of Aosta (after birthplace)
Anselm of Bec (after monastery)
Pedro II of Brazil (after dominion)
Mrs Miggins of Gasworks Road, Mudchester (after place of residence)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Indicating a (non-physical) source of action or emotion; introducing a cause, instigation; from, out of, as an expression of.
The invention was born of necessity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(following an intransitive verb) Indicates the source or cause of the verb.
It is said that she died of a broken heart.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(following an adjective) Indicates the subject or cause of the adjective.
I am tired of all this nonsense.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
In a direction away from the speaker or other reference point.
He drove off in a cloud of smoke.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(following a passive verb) Indicates the agent (for most verbs, now usually expressed with by).
I am not particularly enamoured of this idea.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Into a state of non-operation or non-existence.
Please switch off the light when you leave.
Die off
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Used to introduce the "subjective genitive"; following a noun to form the head of a postmodifying noun phrase (see also 'Possession' senses below).
The contract can be terminated at any time with the agreement of both parties.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
So as to remove or separate, or be removed or separated.
He bit off the end of the carrot.
Some branches were sawn off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(following an adjective) Used to indicate the agent of something described by the adjective.
It was very brave of you to speak out like that.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Used in various other ways specific to individual idiomatic phrases, e.g. bring off, show off, put off, tell off, etc. See the entry for the individual phrase.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(after a verb expressing construction, making etc.) Used to indicate the material or substance used.
Many 'corks' are now actually made of plastic.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(directly following a noun) Used to indicate the material of the just-mentioned object.
She wore a dress of silk.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Indicating the composition of a given collective or quantitative noun.
What a lot of nonsense!
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Not fitted; not being worn.
Your feet will feel better once those tight boots are off.
The drink spilled out of the bottle because the top was off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Used to link a given class of things with a specific example of that class.
Welcome to the historic town of Harwich.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Links two nouns in near-apposition, with the first qualifying the second; "which is also".
I'm not driving this wreck of a car.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Less than normal, in temperament or in result.
Sales are off this quarter
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Links an intransitive verb, or a transitive verb and its subject (especially verbs to do with thinking, feeling, expressing etc.), with its subject-matter; concerning, with regard to.
I'm always thinking of you.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(following a noun (now chiefly nouns of knowledge, communication etc.)) Introduces its subject matter; about, concerning.
He told us the story of his journey to India.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
(in phrases such as 'well off', 'poorly off', etc., and in 'how?' questions) Circumstanced.
Our family used to be well off; now we're very badly off.
How are you off for milk? Shall I get you some more from the shop?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(following an adjective) Introduces its subject matter.
This behaviour is typical of teenagers.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Started on the way.
Off to see the wizard
And they're off! Whatsmyname takes an early lead, with Remember The Mane behind by a nose.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Far; off to the side.
He took me down the corridor and into an off room.
The off horse or ox in a team, in distinction from the nigh or near horse
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(following a number or other quantitive word) Introduces the whole for which is indicated only the specified part or segment; "from among".
Most of these apples are rotten.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Designating a time when one is not strictly attentive to business or affairs, or is absent from a post, and, hence, a time when affairs are not urgent.
He took an off day for fishing.
An off year in politics;
The off season
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
(in phrases such as 'off day') Designating a time when one is not performing to the best of one's abilities.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Some, an amount of, one of.
On the whole, they seem to be of the decent sort.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Presently unavailable.
— I'll have the chicken please.
— Sorry, chicken's off today.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Links to a genitive noun or possessive pronoun, with partitive effect (though now often merged with possessive senses, below).
He is a friend of mine.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
On the side furthest from the kerb (the right-hand side if one drives on the left).
The off front wheel came loose.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
(cricket) In, or towards the half of the field away from the batsman's legs; the right side for a right-handed batsman.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Belonging to, existing in, or taking place in a given location, place or time. Compare "origin" senses, above.
He was perhaps the most famous scientist of the twentieth century.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Not positioned upon, or away from a position upon.
He's off the roof now.
I took it off the table.
Keep off the grass.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Belonging to (a place) through having title, ownership or control over it.
The owner of the nightclub was arrested.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Detached, separated, excluded or disconnected from; away from a position of attachment or connection to.
The phone is off the hook
The coat fell off the peg.
He was thrown off the team for cheating.
We've been off the grid for three days now.
We're off their radar.
He's off the computer, but he's still on the phone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Belonging to (someone or something) as something they possess or have as a characteristic; the "possessive genitive". (With abstract nouns, this intersects with the subjective genitive, above under "agency" senses.)
Keep the handle of the saucepan away from the flames.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Used to indicate the location or direction of one thing relative to another, implying adjacency or accessibility via.
His office is off this corridor on the right.
We're just off the main road.
Look! There's a UFO off our left wing!
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Used to express location at sea relative to land or mainland.
The island is 23 miles off the cape.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Follows an agent noun, verbal noun or noun of action.
She had a profound distrust of the police.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
No longer wanting or taking.
He's been off his feed since Tuesday.
He's off his meds again.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Links an adjective with a noun or noun phrase to form a quasi-adverbial qualifier; in respect to, as regards.
My companion seemed affable and easy of manner.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Out of the possession of.
He didn't buy it off him. He stole it off him.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Indicates a quality or characteristic; "characterized by".
Pooh was said to be a bear of very little brain.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Placed after a number (of products or parts, as if a unit), in commerce or engineeringEngineering.
Tantalum bar 6 off 3/8" Dia × 12" — Atom, Great Britain Atomic Energy Authority, 1972
Samples submitted … 12 off Thermistors type 1K3A531 … — BSI test report for shock and vibration testing, 2000
I'd like to re-order those printer cartridges, let's say 5-off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Indicates quantity, age, price, etc.
We have been paying interest at a rate of 10%.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Used to link singular indefinite nouns (preceded by the indefinite article) and attributive adjectives modified by certain common adverbs of degree.
It's not that big of a deal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
(usually in phrases such as 'from the off', 'at the off', etc.) Beginning; starting point.
He has been very obviously an untrustworthy narrator right from the off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
During the course of (a set period of time, day of the week etc.), now specifically with implied repetition or regularity.
Of an evening, we would often go for a stroll along the river.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
For (a given length of time).
I’ve not tekken her out of a goodly long while.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(after a noun) Indicates duration of a state, activity etc.
After a delay of three hours, the plane finally took off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Denoting the action of removing or separating; separation; as, to take off the hat or cloak; to cut off, to pare off, to clip off, to peel off, to tear off, to march off, to fly off, and the like.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denotes the number of minutes before the hour;Before (the hour); to.
What's the time? / Nearly a quarter of three.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Denoting a leaving, abandonment, departure, abatement, interruption, or remission; as, the fever goes off; the pain goes off; the game is off; all bets are off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
(usually in modal perfect constructions) have, chiefly in depictions of colloquial speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Denoting a different direction; not on or towards: away; as, to look off.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
In a general sense, from, or out from; proceeding from; belonging to; relating to; concerning; - used in a variety of applications; as:
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Denoting opposition or negation.
The questions no way touch upon puritanism, either off or on.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting that from which anything proceeds; indicating origin, source, descent, and the like; as, he is of a race of kings; he is of noble blood.
That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting possession or ownership, or the relation of subject to attribute; as, the apartment of the consul: the power of the king; a man of courage; the gate of heaven.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Not on; away from; as, to be off one's legs or off the bed; two miles off the shore.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting the material of which anything is composed, or that which it contains; as, a throne of gold; a sword of steel; a wreath of mist; a cup of water.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
On the farther side; most distant; on the side of an animal or a team farthest from the driver when he is on foot; in the United States, the right side; as, the off horse or ox in a team, in distinction from the nigh or near horse or ox; the off leg.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting part of an aggregate or whole; belonging to a number or quantity mentioned; out of; from amongst; as, of this little he had some to spare; some of the mines were unproductive; most of the company.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
It is a duty to communicate of those blessings we have received.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Designating a time when one is not strictly attentive to business or affairs, or is absent from his post, and, hence, a time when affairs are not urgent; as, he took an off day for fishing: an off year in politics.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting that by which a person or thing is actuated or impelled; also, the source of a purpose or action; due to; as, they went of their own will; no body can move of itself; he did it of necessity.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Designating a time when one's performance is below normal; as, he had an off day.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting reference to a thing; about; concerning; relating to; as, to boast of one's achievements; they talked of many things.
Knew you of this fair work?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting nearness or distance, either in space or time; from; as, within a league of the town; within an hour of the appointed time.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting identity or equivalence; - used with a name or appellation, and equivalent to the relation of apposition; as, the continent of America; the city of Rome; the Island of Cuba.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Below a satisfactory level;
An off year for tennis
His performance was off
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting the agent, or person by whom, or thing by which, anything is, or is done; by.
And told to her of [by] some.
He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
[Jesus] being forty days tempted of the devil.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
(of events) no longer planned or scheduled;
The wedding is definitely off
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
Denoting relation to place or time; belonging to, or connected with; as, men of Athens; the people of the Middle Ages; in the days of Herod.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
Not performing or scheduled for duties;
He's off every Tuesday
He was off duty when it happened
An off-duty policeman
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Of
During; in the course of.
Not be seen to wink of all the day.
My custom always of the afternoon.
Why, knows not Montague, that of itselfEngland is safe, if true within itself?
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
From a particular thing or place or position (`forth' is obsolete);
Ran away from the lion
Wanted to get away from there
Sent the children away to boarding school
The teacher waved the children away from the dead animal
Went off to school
They drove off
Go forth and preach
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
At a distance in space or time;
The boat was 5 miles off (or away)
The party is still 2 weeks off (or away)
Away back in the 18th century
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Off
No longer on or in contact or attached;
Clean off the dirt
He shaved off his mustache
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 02, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does "of" indicate in a sentence?
"Of" indicates belonging, relationship, or origin.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
How is "off" used in terms of direction?
"Off" is used to suggest movement away from a point.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
What does "off" mean in terms of operation?
"Off" indicates something is not in operation, like "TV is off."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
How does "off" relate to cessation?
It denotes stopping an action, like "turn off the light."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
What does "off" mean in the context of distance?
It implies a distance from a point, like "keep off the grass."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Can "off" be used to refer to someone taking a break?
Yes, like "he's off work today."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Is "of" used in legal language?
Yes, frequently in legal and formal documents.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
How does "off" function in time-related contexts?
"Off" can mean a break or pause, like "a week off."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
How does "off" work in the context of a discount?
It indicates a price reduction, like "10% off."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Does "off" have a navigational use?
Yes, in directions like "turn off at the junction."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Is "of" used in formal writing?
Yes, it's common in formal and academic contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
How is "of" used in historical contexts?
To indicate a period, like "the king of the 18th century."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
What does "off" mean in a starting sense?
It can mean to begin a journey, like "set off on a trip."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
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Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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