Off vs. Of — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 29, 2023
"Off" typically indicates separation or movement away, while "Of" suggests a relation or connection between two entities.
Difference Between Off and Of
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Key Differences
"Off" and "Of" are two English prepositions that are frequently used, yet they serve distinct functions. "Off" often relates to a physical or metaphorical distance, detachment, or movement away from something. For example, one might say, "The cat jumped off the counter," highlighting the cat's action of moving away from the counter.
On the other hand, "Of" is more about indicating relationships, belonging, or origin between two entities. If one were to say, "The tales of ancient Greece," it shows a relationship between the tales and ancient Greece, suggesting the tales originate from or are about ancient Greece.
"Off" can also denote a cessation or interruption, as in turning off a light or taking time off from work. It signifies an action of stopping something or taking a break from something. In contrast, "Of" can indicate a point of reckoning or a cause. For instance, "east of the river" or "die of hunger."
In daily communication, confusion can arise between "Off" and "Of" due to their phonetic similarity. However, understanding their unique functions makes their distinction clear. Remember, "Off" often implies distance or detachment, while "Of" represents connection or relation.
Comparison Chart
Function
Indicates separation.
Shows relation or connection.
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Example
"Fell off the chair."
"Piece of cake."
Usage
Denotes cessation.
Indicates origin or source.
Position
Can be an adverb.
Strictly a preposition.
Context
Can suggest inactivity.
Indicates a specific characteristic.
Compare with Definitions
Off
Denoting separation or movement away.
The hat blew off in the wind.
Of
Signifying the cause or reason.
Died of pneumonia.
Off
Referring to the discontinuation or exclusion.
The meeting was called off.
Of
Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole.
Off
Away from the place in question; to or at a distance
The man ran off
She dashed off to her room
We must be off now
Of
Expressing the relationship between a scale or measure and a value
An increase of 5%
A height of 10 metres
Off
So as to be removed or separated
A section of the runway had been cordoned off
He whipped off his coat
Of
Indicating an association between two entities, typically one of belonging, in which the first is the head of the phrase and the second is something associated with it
A photograph of the bride
The son of a friend
The government of India
A former colleague of John's
Off
Starting a journey or race; leaving
They're off!
The gunmen made off on foot
We're off on holiday tomorrow
Of
Expressing the relationship between a direction and a point of reference
North of Watford
Off
So as to bring to an end or be discontinued
She broke off her reading to look at her husband
The Christmas party rounded off a hugely successful year
Of
Expressing the relationship between a general category or type and the thing being specified which belongs to such a category
The idea of a just society
The population of interbreeding individuals
This type of book
The city of Prague
Off
(of an electrical appliance or power supply) not functioning or so as to cease to function
The electricity was off for four days
Switch the TV off
Of
Following a noun derived from or related to a verb.
Off
Having access to or possession of material goods or wealth to the extent specified
How are you off for money?
We'd been rather badly off for books
Of
Where the head of the phrase is a predicative adjective
I am certain of that
It was kind of you to ask
Off
(with preceding numeral) denoting a quantity produced at one time.
Of
Indicating the relationship between a verb and an indirect object.
Off
Moving away and often down from
The coat slipped off his arms
He rolled off the bed
Trying to get us off the stage
Of
Indicating the material or substance constituting something
Walls of stone
The house was built of bricks
Off
Situated or leading in a direction away from (a main route or intersection)
In a little street off Whitehall
Single wires leading off the main lines
Of
Expressing time in relation to the following hour
It would be just a quarter of three in New York
Off
So as to be removed or separated from
They knocked $2,000 off the price
It's a huge burden off my shoulders
Threatening to tear the door off its hinges
Of
Derived or coming from; originating at or from
Customs of the South.
Off
Having a temporary dislike of
He's running a temperature and he's off his food
Of
Caused by; resulting from
A death of tuberculosis.
Off
Characterized by performing or feeling worse than usual; unsatisfactory or inadequate
Even the greatest athletes have off days
Of
Away from; at a distance from
A mile east of here.
Off
(of food) no longer fresh
The fish was a bit off
Of
So as to be separated or relieved from
Robbed of one's dignity.
Cured of distemper.
Off
Located on the side of a vehicle that is normally furthest from the kerb; offside.
Of
From the total or group comprising
Give of one's time.
Two of my friends.
Most of the cases.
Off
Annoying or unfair
His boss deducted the money from his pay. That was a bit off
Of
Composed or made from
A dress of silk.
Off
Unfriendly or hostile
There's no one there except the barmaid, and she's a bit off
Of
Associated with or adhering to
People of your religion.
Off
The half of the field (as divided lengthways through the pitch) towards which the batsman's feet are pointed when standing to receive the ball.
Of
Belonging or connected to
The rungs of a ladder.
Off
The start of a race, journey, or experience
Now Ian is ready for the off
Of
Possessing; having
A person of honor.
Off
Leave
Supposedly loyal workers suddenly upped and offed to the new firms
Of
On one's part
Very nice of you.
Off
Kill; murder
I finally snapped and offed the guy
Of
Containing or carrying
A basket of groceries.
Off
From a place or position
He walked off in a huff.
Of
Specified as; named or called
A depth of ten feet.
The Garden of Eden.
Off
At a certain distance in space or time
A mile off.
A week off.
Of
Centering on; directed toward
A love of horses.
Off
From a given course or route; aside
The car swerved off into a ditch.
Of
Produced by; issuing from
Products of the vine.
Off
Into a state of unconsciousness
I must have dozed off.
Of
Characterized or identified by
A year of famine.
Off
So as to be no longer on, attached, or connected
He shaved off his mustache.
Of
With reference to; about
Think highly of her proposals.
Will speak of it later.
Off
So as to be divided
We marked off the playing field by yards.
Of
In respect to
Slow of speech.
Off
So as to be no longer continuing, operating, or functioning
She switched off the radio.
Of
Set aside for; taken up by
A day of rest.
Off
So as to be completely removed, finished, or eliminated
Will the cats kill off the mice?.
Of
Before; until
Five minutes of two.
Off
So as to be in a state of sudden violent or loud activity
The firecracker went off. The alarm went off.
Of
During or on a specified time
Of recent years.
Off
So as to be smaller, fewer, or less
Sales dropped off.
Of
By
Beloved of the family.
Off
So as to be away from or not engaged in work or duty
They took a day off.
Of
Used to indicate an appositive
That idiot of a driver.
Off
Offstage.
Of
(Archaic)On
"A plague of all cowards, I say" (Shakespeare).
Off
Distant or removed; farther
The off side of the barn.
Of
Expressing distance or motion.
Off
Remote; slim
Stopped by on the off chance that they're home.
Of
From (of distance, direction), "off".
Off
Not on, attached, or connected
With my shoes off.
Of
Since, from (a given time, earlier state etc.).
Off
Not operating or operational
The oven is off.
Of
From, away from (a position, number, distance etc.).
There are no shops within twenty miles of the cottage.
Off
No longer taking place; canceled
The wedding is off.
Of
Expressing separation.
Off
Slack
Production was off this year.
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.
Off
Not up to standard; below a normal or satisfactory level
Your pitching is off today.
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with resulting state indicated by an adjective.
He seemed devoid of human feelings.
Off
Not accurate; incorrect
Your statistical results are off.
Of
(obsolete) Indicating removal, absence or separation, construed with an intransitive verb.
Off
Somewhat crazy; eccentric
I think that person is a little off.
Of
Expressing origin.
Off
Started on the way; going
I'm off to see the president.
Of
Indicating an ancestral source or origin of descent.
The word is believed to be of Japanese origin.
Off
Absent, away from, or not engaged in work or duty
She's off every Tuesday.
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)
Off
Spent away from work or duty
My off day is Saturday.
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.
Off
Being on the right side of an animal or vehicle.
Of
(following an intransitive verb) Indicates the source or cause of the verb.
It is said that she died of a broken heart.
Off
Being the animal or vehicle on the right.
Of
(following an adjective) Indicates the subject or cause of the adjective.
I am tired of all this nonsense.
Off
(Nautical) Farthest from the shore; seaward.
Of
Expressing agency.
Off
(Sports) Toward or designating the side of the field facing the batsman in cricket.
Of
(following a passive verb) Indicates the agent (for most verbs, now usually expressed with by).
I am not particularly enamoured of this idea.
Off
Off-color.
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.
Off
So as to be removed or distant from
The bird hopped off the branch.
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.
Off
Away or relieved from
Off duty.
Of
Expressing composition, substance.
Off
By consuming
Living off locusts and honey.
Of
(after a verb expressing construction, making etc.) Used to indicate the material or substance used.
Many 'corks' are now actually made of plastic.
Off
With the means provided by
Living off my pension.
Of
(directly following a noun) Used to indicate the material of the just-mentioned object.
She wore a dress of silk.
Off
(Informal) From
"What else do you want off me?" (Jimmy Breslin).
Of
Indicating the composition of a given collective or quantitative noun.
What a lot of nonsense!
Off
Extending or branching out from
An artery off the heart.
Of
Used to link a given class of things with a specific example of that class.
Welcome to the historic town of Harwich.
Off
Not up to the usual standard of
Off his game.
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.
Off
So as to abstain from
Went off narcotics.
Of
Introducing subject matter.
Off
(Nautical) To seaward of
A mile off Sandy Hook.
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.
Off
To go away; leave
Off or I'll call the police.
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.
Off
To murder.
Of
(following an adjective) Introduces its subject matter.
This behaviour is typical of teenagers.
Off
In a direction away from the speaker or other reference point.
He drove off in a cloud of smoke.
Of
Having partitive effect.
Off
Into a state of non-operation or non-existence.
Please switch off the light when you leave.
Die off
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.
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.
Of
(following a noun) Indicates a given part.
Off
(theatre) Offstage.
Noises off
Of
Some, an amount of, one of.
On the whole, they seem to be of the decent sort.
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.
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.
Off
Inoperative, disabled.
All the lights are off.
Of
Expressing possession.
Off
Cancelled; not happening.
The party's off because the hostess is sick.
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.
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.
Of
Belonging to (a place) through having title, ownership or control over it.
The owner of the nightclub was arrested.
Off
Rancid, rotten, gone bad.
This milk is off!
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.
Off
Disgusting, repulsive, abhorrent.
Of
Forming the "objective genitive".
Off
Less than normal, in temperament or in result.
Sales are off this quarter
Of
Follows an agent noun, verbal noun or noun of action.
She had a profound distrust of the police.
Off
Inappropriate; untoward.
I felt that his comments were a bit off.
Of
Expressing qualities or characteristics.
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?
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.
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.
Of
Indicates a quality or characteristic; "characterized by".
Pooh was said to be a bear of very little brain.
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
Of
Indicates quantity, age, price, etc.
We have been paying interest at a rate of 10%.
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
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.
Off
(in phrases such as 'off day') Designating a time when one is not performing to the best of one's abilities.
Of
Expressing a point in time.
Off
Presently unavailable.
— I'll have the chicken please.
— Sorry, chicken's off today.
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.
Off
On the side furthest from the kerb (the right-hand side if one drives on the left).
The off front wheel came loose.
Of
For (a given length of time).
I’ve not tekken her out of a goodly long while.
Off
(cricket) In, or towards the half of the field away from the batsman's legs; the right side for a right-handed batsman.
Of
(after a noun) Indicates duration of a state, activity etc.
After a delay of three hours, the plane finally took off.
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.
Of
Denotes the number of minutes before the hour;Before (the hour); to.
What's the time? / Nearly a quarter of three.
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.
Of
(usually in modal perfect constructions) have, chiefly in depictions of colloquial speech.
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!
Of
In a general sense, from, or out from; proceeding from; belonging to; relating to; concerning; - used in a variety of applications; as:
Off
Used to express location at sea relative to land or mainland.
The island is 23 miles off the cape.
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.
Off
Removed or subtracted from.
There's 20% off the list price.
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.
Off
No longer wanting or taking.
He's been off his feed since Tuesday.
He's off his meds again.
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.
Off
Out of the possession of.
He didn't buy it off him. He stole it off him.
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.
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.
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.
Off
To kill.
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?
Off
To switch off.
Can you off the light?
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.
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.
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.
Off
In a general sense, denoting from or away from; as:
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.
Off
Denoting distance or separation; as, the house is a mile off.
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.
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.
Of
Denoting passage from one state to another; from.
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.
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?
Off
Denoting a different direction; not on or towards: away; as, to look off.
Of
Indicating the point in space at which something happens.
South of the city.
Off
Denoting opposition or negation.
The questions no way touch upon puritanism, either off or on.
Of
Representing the material or substance constituting something.
Made of gold.
Off
Away; begone; - a command to depart.
Of
Pointing to a belonging or association.
The Kingdom of Spain.
Off
Not on; away from; as, to be off one's legs or off the bed; two miles off the shore.
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.
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.
Off
Designating a time when one's performance is below normal; as, he had an off day.
Off
The side of the field that is on the right of the wicket keeper.
Off
Not in operation or operational;
The oven is off
The lights are off
Off
Below a satisfactory level;
An off year for tennis
His performance was off
Off
(of events) no longer planned or scheduled;
The wedding is definitely off
Off
In an unpalatable state;
Sour milk
Off
Not performing or scheduled for duties;
He's off every Tuesday
He was off duty when it happened
An off-duty policeman
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
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
Off
No longer on or in contact or attached;
Clean off the dirt
He shaved off his mustache
Off
Indicating the cessation or interruption of something.
He turned off the TV.
Off
Signifying not attached or in operation.
The light is off.
Off
Describing something as being derivative or based on something else.
A spin-off series from the original show.
Common Curiosities
Is "Off" a preposition or an adverb?
"Off" can function as both a preposition and an adverb depending on its use in a sentence.
What does "Of" primarily indicate?
"Of" primarily indicates a relation or connection between two entities.
Can "Off" indicate something being inactive?
Yes, for instance, "The computer is off."
Is "Of" used to denote possession?
Yes, as in "The tail of the dog."
Can "Off" suggest a derived or secondary version?
Yes, like in "a spin-off series."
Does "Of" ever indicate cause?
Yes, as in "Died of hunger."
Can "Off" mean excluding something?
Yes, like in "It's off the list."
Can "Off" mean not attached?
Yes, as in "The button fell off."
How does "Off" relate to direction?
It can indicate movement away, like "Go off the path."
What is the main difference between "Off" and "Of"?
"Off" often indicates separation, while "Of" suggests relation.
Does "Of" express material composition?
Yes, like in "Statue made of marble."
Is "Off" used in phrasal verbs?
Yes, such as in "take off" or "switch off."
Can "Of" indicate origin?
Yes, as in "Wines of France."
Are "Off" and "Of" interchangeable?
No, they serve distinct functions in a sentence.
Does "Of" show association?
Yes, like in "University of Cambridge."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
