As a language expert with a focus on English linguistics, I'm often asked about the correctness of certain phrases and their usage in various contexts. The phrase "off of" is one that comes up from time to time, and it's a good opportunity to delve into the nuances of English grammar and colloquial speech.
When we look at the phrase "off of," we are essentially dealing with two prepositions, "off" and "of." In standard English, prepositions are words that express a relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence. "Off" is used to indicate separation or movement away from something, while "of" is often used to denote possession, origin, or relation.
The use of "off of" can be traced back to a phenomenon known as prepositional doubling, where two prepositions are used together to emphasize the meaning. This is more common in informal speech and in certain dialects, particularly in American English. For example, one might say, "I jumped off of the diving board," to emphasize the action of moving away from the diving board.
However, in more formal contexts, it's generally recommended to use just one preposition. So instead of "off of," one would say, "I jumped off the diving board." The reason for this is that using two prepositions can sometimes be seen as redundant or nonstandard, especially in formal writing where precision and clarity are valued.
It's important to note that language is dynamic, and what is considered nonstandard or informal today may become more accepted over time. The use of "off of" is not grammatically incorrect; it's simply a matter of style and context. If you're writing an academic paper or a business report, it might be best to avoid "off of" to maintain a formal tone. But in casual conversation or creative writing, where the goal is often to capture a more natural, conversational tone, "off of" can be used without issue.
In summary, while "off of" is not linguistically or grammatically incorrect, it is considered nonstandard in some dialects and informal in most. If you're aiming for a formal style, it's best to avoid it. However, in less formal contexts, it can be used as you see fit to add emphasis or reflect a more conversational style.
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Summary: There is nothing linguistically or grammatically wrong with off of. It's nonstandard in some dialects and informal in most, so you should probably avoid it if you're concerned about your writing seeming formal. But when formality isn't a concern, use it as you see fit.Jul 31, 2012read more >>