as ADJ of a N as

[Arnold M. Zwicky]

On Feb 20, 2004, at 10:38 AM, Bethany K. Dumas wrote:

> On Fri, 20 Feb 2004, Beverly Flanigan wrote:
>
>> 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.
>
> I've heard it all my life.

MWDEU's cites go back only to 1942-43.  i suspect this could be
improved on, but probably  by years rather than decades.

arnold (zwicky at csli.stanford.edu)