Turns out there's a whole article devoted to this construction in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage! It's listed under "of a." If you don't have the article and would like a copy, Lynn, just send me your fax #. Joanne M. Despres, Senior Editor Merriam-Webster, Inc. jdespres at merriam-webster.com http://www.merriam-webster.com