of

of
We say 'an advantage/a disadvantage of something:

- The advantage of living alone is that you can do what you like.

But we say 'there is an advantage in doing something':
We say a cause 'of' something:

- Nobody knows what the cause of the explosion was.

We say 'a photograph/a picture of' someone/something:

- He always keeps a photograph of his wife in his wallet.

We say 'nice/ kind/ good / generous / mean / stupid / silly / intelligent / clever / sensible / (im)polite/ rude/unreasonable of someone (to do something)':

- Thank you. It was very nice/kind of you to help me.

We say 'to be afraid / frightened / terrified / scared / proud / ashamed / jealous / envious / suspicious / aware / conscious of someone/something:

- 'Are you afraid of dogs?' 'Yes, I'm terrified of them.'

- He didn't trust me. He was suspicious of my intentions.

We say 'to be capable/incapable/fond/full/short/tired of something/someone':

- I'm sure you are capable of passing the examination.

- Mary is very fond of animals. - The letter I wrote was full of mistakes. - Come on, let's go! I'm tired of waiting.

We say 'to take care of someone/something (= look after)':

- Have a nice holiday. Take care of yourself!

We say 'to consist of something':

- We had an enormous meal. It consisted of seven courses.

We say 'to die of an illness':

- What did he die of? A heart attack.

We say 'to dream of being something/doing something (= imagine)':

- I often dream of being rich.

We say 'to hear of someone/something' = know that someone/something exists:

- Have you heard of a company called 'Smith Electrics'?

We say 'to think of someone/something' (= remember, bring to mind, have an idea):

- He told me his name but I can't think of it now. (not 'think about it')

The difference between 'think of 'and 'think about' is sometimes very small. Often you I can use 'of' or 'about':

- My sister is thinking of (or about) going to Canada.

We say 'to accuse someone of (doing) something':

- Tom accused Ann of being selfish.

We say 'to remind someone of someone/something (= cause someone to remember)':

- This house reminds me of the one I lived in when I was a child.

- Look at this photograph of Tom. Who does he remind you of?

But: remind someone about something (= tell someone not to forget).


Combinatory dictionary. 2013.

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