 Re: gift of/for
I think my observation last night was right. The definite article calls for of; but it's not a rule you have to learn - it's just that when you're talking about a specific gift, you must link it to an action with the specific preposition of: The gift of doing something.
Similarly, when you're not being specific - and using an indefinite article - you use the less specific preposition for. When you have 'a gift for something' it isn't necessarily always apparent: 'That's strange - he usually has a gift for dealing with older women.'
That's the way I see it anyway.... Perhaps others may have a different view.
b |