“of + 名词”等于“与主语重复的同类名词 + of + 名词”的省略,相当于一个表示特征或属性的形容词。例如:
He is of that time. 他是那个时代的人。(= He is a man of that time,省略了与he意思重复的同类名词a man)
The story is of adventure. 这是个冒险的故事。(= The story is a story of adventure,省略了与主语重复的名词story)
They are of great help to learners of English. 它们对英语学习者有很大帮助。(= They are books(或materials) of great help to learners of English,省略了与主语意思重复的books或materials)
They are of the same age. 他们是同龄人。(= They are persons of the same age,省略了与主语意思重复的 persons)