English Language Discussion Forums

engee30 · #1 07-Jun-2007, 13:13

How to distinguish the difference (if there is any) between 'gift of (doing) something' and 'gift for (doing) something'?

For example:

She has an exceptional gift of (or maybe still better, for) interpreting dreams.

**BobK** · #2 07-Jun-2007, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by engee30

How to distinguish the difference (if there is any) between 'gift of (doing) something' and 'gift for (doing) something'?

For example:

She has a gift for interpreting dreams....

Or She has the exceptional gift of being able to interpret dreams.

(It looks, from this example, that a requires for and the requires of. But it's late, and I'll have to think about it further before suggesting this as a rule.)

b

engee30 · #3 08-Jun-2007, 02:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobK

But it's late, and I'll have to think about it further before suggesting this as a rule.)

b

I'll be waiting patiently, then.

**BobK** · #4 08-Jun-2007, 20:20

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

Jason72 · #5 08-Jun-2007, 22:00

To add anything else, I need more context...

engee30 · #6 09-Jun-2007, 00:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobK

That's the way I see it anyway.... Perhaps others may have a different view.

b

Great! The way you see it is the way I will see it as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason72

To add anything else, I need more context...

I'm afraid I can't provide you with any more context - I was just curious about the use of for and of with the noun gift; the sentence was taken from an FCE preparation textbook, where you have to put the right preposition, and there's no answer to the exercise.