as ADJ of a N as

[Beverly Flanigan]

I think Arnold is right about the split in attitudes toward this
usage.  I've never used the "of a" structure and don't like it, but I've
become more tolerant of it.  Is it possibly age-related?  I don't recall
being aware of it as a kid, but now I hear it everywhere.

At 01:05 PM 2/20/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>At 9:52 AM -0800 2/20/04, Arnold M. Zwicky wrote:
>>
>>[some fascinating quick googling on "Deg Adv of a" vs. "Deg Adv a".]
>>
>>this sort of thing quickly gets addictive...
>
>Just encountered in today's N. Y. Times sports section, D2:
>
>"I'm not worried about Barry. Barry's too strong of a person for
>what's he's been through personally and professionally."
>
>-S. F. Giants general manager Brian Sabean, on superstar Barry Bonds
>and the steroid issue