ofof /əv, ə; strong ɒv $ əv, ə strong $ ɑːv/ ●●● S1 W1 preposition 
the back of the house the last scene of the movie the end of the day2used to show who something or someone belongs to or has a connection with: a friend of Mark’s Avocado salad is a favourite of mine. Product inspection is the responsibility of the employees themselves.3used when talking about a feature or quality that something has: the cost of the meal the beauty of the scenery the length of the swimming pool4used to show what group one or more things or people belong to: some of the students ‘Sunflowers’ is one of his best-known paintings. Two of the guests are vegetarian. a member of the baseball team5used to show what type of substance or thing you are referring to, when talking about an amount: two kilos of sugar millions of dollars a bar of chocolate6used to say what something contains: a cup of coffee several packets of cigarettes truckloads of refugees7used to say what type of things or people are in a group: a herd of elephants his circle of friends a bunch of bananas8 a)used to state specifically which thing of the general type mentioned you are referring to: the city of New York the art of painting the problem of unemployment b)used to state specifically what a particular number, amount, age etc is: at the age of 52 an increase of 3%9used to talk about things produced by a famous or skilled writer, artist etc: the plays of Shakespeare the paintings of Picasso the work of a great architect10used to say what a story, some news etc is about, or what a picture, map etc shows: a story of love and loss news of his arrest a photo of Elizabeth a map of Indonesia11a)used after nouns that refer to actions, or to people who do something, in order to show who or what the action is done to: the cancellation of the meeting the killing of innocent children supporters of the project b)used after nouns that refer to actions in order to show who or what does the action: the ringing of the phone the arrival of a visitor12used after some adjectives that describe feelings, to show who or what the feeling is directed towards: He’s always been frightened of spiders. Most children want their parents to feel proud of them.13used when referring to the day, moment etc when something happened: the day of the accident the week of the festival I was at home at the time of the murder.14used to say where something is in relation to a place or thingnorth/south etc of something a historic seaside town 99 km south of Londonto the left/right of something To the left of the sofa is a table. I live within a mile of here.15used to describe a person or thing by saying what their main qualities or features are: Albright was seen as a woman of great determination. It’s an area of considerable historical interest.16used to say what someone’s age is: He has two children, a boy of 12 and a girl of 15.17it is kind/stupid/careless etc of somebody (to do something) used to say that someone’s action shows a particular quality: It was kind of you to remember my birthday.18used to say where someone comes from: the people of China Jesus of Nazareth19used to show the country, organization, or group in which someone has a particular position: King Philip II of Spain the secretary of the tennis club20used in dates before the name of the month: the 27th of July21used to say when something happened: the presidential election of 1825 one of the biggest upsets of recent years22American English spoken used in giving the time, to mean ‘before’ SYN to British English: It’s a quarter of seven (=6.45).23used to show the cause of someone’s death: He died of cancer.24literary used to say what material has been used to make something: a dress of pure silk25of an evening/of a weekend etc British English in the evenings, at weekends etc: We often used to walk by the river of an evening.GRAMMAR: Possessives• The usual way to say that something belongs to someone, or that someone is connected with someone, is by using -’s. You say: · Tom’s car· a child’s bike· my sister’s boyfriend ✗Don’t say: the car of Tom | the bike of a child | the boyfriend of my sister• You use –s’ after a plural noun ending in ‘s’: · a teachers’ meeting• You use of mine/yours/his/hers/ours/theirs when talking about one of several people or things belonging to or connected with someone: · a friend of ours· a habit of mine• You use by when saying who sang, wrote, or painted something: · a song by Jay-Z ✗Don’t say: a song of Jay-Z
WORD ORIGINof
Origin:
Old EnglishEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a car of his own
- a cousin of mine
- a crown of gold and silver
- a flock of birds
- a friend of the family
- a gallon of milk
- a history of modern China
- a map of the world
- a member of the rock group
- a pack of cigarettes
- a photograph of my grandmother
- a small town to the west of Kansas City
- a teaspoonful of baking soda
- all the details of the agreement
- an area of outstanding beauty
- Father was a man of great integrity and honesty.
- Have you ever heard of the poet T.S. Eliot?
- I had a pain in the back of my leg
- most of the students
- News of Kirkland's arrest was soon all over town.
Longman Language Activatorways of saying how old someone is
· Julie's going to be thirty next month.· When I was eighteen, I thought I knew everything.· Luke is three and Marie is seven.
· Simone is nearly fifteen years old.· My sister got married when she was thirty-eight years old.
formal · He was tall, well-dressed and appeared to be about thirty-five years of age.· Elephants do not become sexually active until they are fifteen to eighteen years of age.
used especially in written descriptions: · The child, aged ten, was last seen in a park on Bishop Street.· A recent survey of youths aged thirteen to eighteen shows that twelve percent are smoking regularly. · Females aged eighteen to thirty-four have an increased risk of contracting the disease.
(=aged 5/10/35 etc) used especially in written descriptions: · His ninety-five-year-old great-grandfather still rides his bike every day.· She has to pick up her twelve-year-old son from school at 3:30.· Twenty-one-year-old Elizabeth Parker will be the soloist in tonight's concert.
use this especially to say what someone who is a particular age can do: · If a man of fifty-five loses his job, he'll never get another.· It's so simple, a child of four could use it.
use this to give a general idea of how old someone is: · He was tall, with brown hair and dark eyes - I'd say he was in his forties.early twenties/30s etc: · In my early twenties, I applied for my first job as a teacher.mid-twenties/30s etc: · She's retired, but she's only in her mid-50s.late twenties/30s etc: · A lot of women in their late twenties start thinking about having a family.
to have recently become 20, 30 etc: · McClelland recently turned forty.
informal between the ages of 20 and 29, 30 and 39 etc: · a forty-something couple from Orlando
to have a particular feature, quality, or ability also have got especially British · Although she's eighty she has an excellent memory.· Kids have wonderful imaginations, and it is natural for them to create imaginary friends.· The hotel only had two double rooms and they were both occupied.· The jacket has two side pockets and two more pockets inside.· Her brother's got long dark hair and blue eyes.
use this after a noun to describe the qualities or features that someone or something has: · We booked a room with a sea view.· The company needs more people with marketing experience.· Katrina's over there in front of that man with red hair.
use this to describe the things that a place has: · It's a big house - there are five bedrooms.· There are lots of old temples and gardens to visit in Kyoto.· There's an Olympic-sized swimming pool on campus.
formal to have a particular ability, feature, or quality: · He possessed an unusual ability to learn languages quickly.· Like all towns and villages on Trinidad, it possessed a cricket ground.· The Western Highlands possess a beauty and a majesty found nowhere else in Britain.
especially written if someone or something is of a particular feature, quality, or ability, they have that feature etc, especially if it is something good: · Father was a man of great integrity and honesty.· an area of outstanding beauty· She was an actress of great skill.
formal to have special advantages, conditions, abilities etc that are better than the ones that other people or things have: · Some of the workers enjoy a relatively high degree of job security.· When first introduced on the market, these products enjoyed great success.
to have something such as a useful ability, a good feature, or an important advantage - used formally or humorously: · Londoners are blessed with some of the very best Thai restaurants in the country.· Justine was unfortunately not blessed with a sense of humour.· Few gardens are blessed with an ideal site.
formal to have something good, especially a natural ability or social advantage: · Hugh was young, handsome, and endowed with the privileges of class and education.· Jefferson wrote that all citizens were endowed with "the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
if something such as a place, organization, or object boasts a good feature, it has that feature - used especially in advertisements and literature: · The golf course is surrounded by hills and boasts some of the finest scenery in the country.· Each luxury home boasts an indoor pool and three-car garage.
what you say to give permission · "Can I watch TV?" "Sure, go ahead."go right ahead · "Is it OK if I eat the last apple?" "Go right ahead."go ahead and do something · If you want to take a shower, just go ahead and take one.
when someone asks you if they can use something, especially something that belongs to you: · "Is it all right if I call my parents?" "Be my guest."· "Do you mind if I sit here?'' "Be my guest."
when you want someone to do what they want without feeling that they need to ask you first: · "I hope you don't mind if I use your phone." "Of course not. Feel free."feel free to do something: · Please feel free to stop me and ask questions whenever you like.
when you want someone to take what they want, especially food or drink: · "Is there any beer left?" "Sure, help yourself."help yourself to something: · Help yourself to coffee and cake.
spoken use this as a friendly way of telling someone they can do something: · "Can I take some more casserole?" "Of course!"· "Do you mind of I sit here?" "Of course you can."
ways of saying no to a question, request, or suggestion use this when someone asks you a question or makes a request or suggestion: · "Are you Italian?" "No, I'm Spanish."· "Shall I help you?" "No, no -- I can do it on my own, thanks."the answer's no: · If she asks to borrow any more money, the answer's no!
use this when what someone has suggested is not at all true, or when saying you do not mind at all if someone does something: · "Your boys are keen on sport, aren't they?" "Not at all - just the opposite in fact."· "Is my radio bothering you?" "Not at all -- I'm quite enjoying it."· "I'd like to be on my own for a while. Do you mind?" "Not at all," she said kindly.
use this when saying that you are sorry that you cannot do something that someone has asked you to do, do not have something someone has asked you for etc: · "Are you coming to the barbecue tomorrow?" "No, I'm afraid not. I've promised to go and see my Mum."· "Have you got change for £20?" "No, I'm afraid not."
use this to say no very strongly, when you think what someone has suggested or asked is clearly unlikely or stupid: · "Are you serious about Sam?" "Of course not, we're just good friends."· "Don't tell anyone else, will you?" "Of course not."
use this when someone asks if you want to do something, if you like something etc, and although you say no you do not have very strong feelings about it: · "Do you want to come to the movie with us?" "Not really. I think I'll just stay in and read."· "But you quite enjoy your job, don't you?" "Not really, no. I feel I could do with a change."
use this especially when forbidding someone to do something or when you are annoyed or shocked that they have suggested something: · "Can I have some wine?" "Certainly not -- you're far too young!"· "Are you thinking of resigning?" "Certainly not."
informal use this when you are saying very strongly that you refuse to do something or when you are sure that something cannot possibly be true: · I'm not going to work late on Friday night! No way!· "Do you think we can make the trip in two hours?" "No way! It'll take more like four."· I don't believe he stole the money -- no way!
informal use this when you think that what someone has asked or suggested seems stupid or dangerous and you would definitely not consider doing it: · "Want a ride on the back of my motorcycle?" "You must be kidding."· "Are you going out with Jake?" "You must be joking! I wouldn't go out with him if he was the last person on earth."
when someone asks you for permission to do something spoken · "Is it all right if I use this computer?" "Yes, that's fine."· "Do you have a pen I can borrow?" "Yes, what color do you want?"· I asked her if I could come too, and she said yes.
spoken say this when you agree to give permission but you are not completely happy about it: · "Mum, can I borrow your car for an hour?" "OK, but don't be any longer than that."· Ed asked if he could stay over at Matt's house so I said okay.
spoken informal especially American · "Can I call you this evening?'' "Sure. I'll be home about seven thirty.''· "Do you have a photo of the baby I can see?" "Sure," said Maddy, pulling out her wallet.
spoken use this to say clearly and definitely that you are very willing to give your permission for something: · "Do you think I could borrow some money?" "Of course. How much do you need?"of course you can/we will etc: · "Will we be able to go to Disney World?" "Of course we will, that's why we're here."
spoken say this especially when you are being polite to someone in a formal situation: · "Can I change the date of my return flight to London?" "Certainly, which date would you prefer?"· "I'd like to use the hotel sauna, please.'' "Certainly, Madam. It's down the corridor on the left.''
spoken say this when someone asks your permission to use something that belongs to you, or asks to do something that affects you in some way: · "Is it OK if I smoke?'' "Sure, go ahead.''· "Do you mind if I use your phone?" "Not at all - go ahead."
spoken formal say this to show that you are very willing to give permission: · "Do you think I could stay at your house for a few days?'' "By all means, but you may have to sleep on the floor.''
spoken say this to show that you are very willing to give permission, and it is not at all inconvenient for you: · "Would it be all right if I leave work a bit early tomorrow? I've got a dentist's appointment." "No problem - thanks for letting me know."
when someone asks you a question spoken · "Have you lived here long?" "Yes, about 10 years."· "Did you watch 'Trial and Retribution' last night?" "Yes, wasn't it good?"· If you're asking me whether I think we should do it, the answer is yes.yes, please (=say this to politely accept something that someone offers you) · "Would you like some wine?" "Yes, please."
spoken informal · "Are you ready, Chrissie?" "Yeah, yeah, I'm just coming."· "Was it £2000 that your car cost?" "Yeah, that's right."· "Do you think you may have to retire from athletics soon?'' "Well, yeah, I suppose so.''
spoken informal especially American · "Do you have the time, please?'' "Sure, it's three o'clock.''· "We're going to the beach this afternoon - want to come?'' "Sure, that 'd be great.''
spoken say this when you want to agree strongly with something, or to make it clear that you are definitely going to do something: · "I think Mark would make a good team captain, don't you?" "Definitely!"· "Are you going to Sonya's party?" "Definitely! It should be really fun."
spoken say this when you are surprised or annoyed that someone has asked you something, or to make your answer strong: · "Do you know when my birthday is?'' "Of course, it's next Wednesday.''of course I am/she is/you can etc: · "Are you feeling nervous?" "Of course I am, it's a very important speech."
spoken say this when you think the person asking the question is hoping for a different answer: · "You're not going out, are you?'' "I'm afraid so. But I won't be long."· "School doesn't start again next week, does it?" "Yes, I'm afraid so, Charlie."
formal written to say yes - use this when someone says yes in a formal or public situation, for example in a law court: · When asked if he recognized the defendant, the witness replied in the affirmative.· Are men more mechanical than women? 67% of all men responding to our poll answered in the affirmative.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I was at home at the time of the murder. a historic seaside town 99 km south of London To the left of the sofa is a table. It’s a quarter of seven (=6.45).
I was at home at the time of the murder. a historic seaside town 99 km south of London To the left of the sofa is a table. It’s a quarter of seven (=6.45).PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► of an evening/of a weekend etc
1used to show what a part belongs to or comes from: - But, it, it is kind of funny.
- So it is kind of coming home and a change of focus.
- The idea of it is kind of cute: This little Frank guy is trying to find candy.
the back of the house the last scene of the movie the end of the day2used to show who something or someone belongs to or has a connection with: a friend of Mark’s Avocado salad is a favourite of mine. Product inspection is the responsibility of the employees themselves.3used when talking about a feature or quality that something has: the cost of the meal the beauty of the scenery the length of the swimming pool4used to show what group one or more things or people belong to: some of the students ‘Sunflowers’ is one of his best-known paintings. Two of the guests are vegetarian. a member of the baseball team5used to show what type of substance or thing you are referring to, when talking about an amount: two kilos of sugar millions of dollars a bar of chocolate6used to say what something contains: a cup of coffee several packets of cigarettes truckloads of refugees7used to say what type of things or people are in a group: a herd of elephants his circle of friends a bunch of bananas8 a)used to state specifically which thing of the general type mentioned you are referring to: the city of New York the art of painting the problem of unemployment b)used to state specifically what a particular number, amount, age etc is: at the age of 52 an increase of 3%9used to talk about things produced by a famous or skilled writer, artist etc: the plays of Shakespeare the paintings of Picasso the work of a great architect10used to say what a story, some news etc is about, or what a picture, map etc shows: a story of love and loss news of his arrest a photo of Elizabeth a map of Indonesia11a)used after nouns that refer to actions, or to people who do something, in order to show who or what the action is done to: the cancellation of the meeting the killing of innocent children supporters of the project b)used after nouns that refer to actions in order to show who or what does the action: the ringing of the phone the arrival of a visitor12used after some adjectives that describe feelings, to show who or what the feeling is directed towards: He’s always been frightened of spiders. Most children want their parents to feel proud of them.13used when referring to the day, moment etc when something happened: the day of the accident the week of the festival I was at home at the time of the murder.14used to say where something is in relation to a place or thingnorth/south etc of something a historic seaside town 99 km south of Londonto the left/right of something To the left of the sofa is a table. I live within a mile of here.15used to describe a person or thing by saying what their main qualities or features are: Albright was seen as a woman of great determination. It’s an area of considerable historical interest.16used to say what someone’s age is: He has two children, a boy of 12 and a girl of 15.17it is kind/stupid/careless etc of somebody (to do something) used to say that someone’s action shows a particular quality: It was kind of you to remember my birthday.18used to say where someone comes from: the people of China Jesus of Nazareth19used to show the country, organization, or group in which someone has a particular position: King Philip II of Spain the secretary of the tennis club20used in dates before the name of the month: the 27th of July21used to say when something happened: the presidential election of 1825 one of the biggest upsets of recent years22American English spoken used in giving the time, to mean ‘before’ SYN to British English: It’s a quarter of seven (=6.45).23used to show the cause of someone’s death: He died of cancer.24literary used to say what material has been used to make something: a dress of pure silk25of an evening/of a weekend etc British English in the evenings, at weekends etc: We often used to walk by the river of an evening.GRAMMAR: Possessives• The usual way to say that something belongs to someone, or that someone is connected with someone, is by using -’s. You say: · Tom’s car· a child’s bike· my sister’s boyfriend ✗Don’t say: the car of Tom | the bike of a child | the boyfriend of my sister• You use –s’ after a plural noun ending in ‘s’: · a teachers’ meeting• You use of mine/yours/his/hers/ours/theirs when talking about one of several people or things belonging to or connected with someone: · a friend of ours· a habit of mine• You use by when saying who sang, wrote, or painted something: · a song by Jay-Z ✗Don’t say: a song of Jay-Z- Anti-Corn Law League
- antics
- anticyclone
- antidepressant
- antidote
- Antietam
- antifreeze
- anti-fungal
- antigen
- anti-globalization
- Antigone
- Antigua
- Antiguan
- antihero
- antihistamine
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-lock braking system
- antimatter
- antimony
- Antioch
- antioxidant
- antiparticle
- antipasto
- antipathetic
- antipathy