Random Editing Fact #2

Today we are going to talk about… 

Well, at least one pet peeve. It is mine, and to me, it is a big one.

It is only two little words, but it drives me… 

You ready for those words yet? I can hear you saying, “Just get on with it!”

There they are. They seem so innocent.

Everyone says it. “Get your shoes off of my bed!” and “I can’t get you off of my mind!”

*Shudders*

Today, I am here to tell you that the OF is unnecessary. You don’t need it, I don’t like it, so let’s all just get along. You can still even enjoy The Rolling Stones “Get Off Of My Cloud” and Lauryn Hill’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”. You will just know that the OF does not need to be there, and that somewhere, I am shuddering over the lyrics.

Let’s just give a few examples:

Can you see how much smoother it is without the unnecessary OF?

There really isn’t anything to be said about the OF rule.

Just that it is overused in grammar, and that off of makes this editor cringe. 

TO OFF OF!

Tell me… these make you shudder just a little bit now, don’t they?

You’re welcome.