The combination of letters "is of" does not have a specific spelling in IPA, as it is not a word on its own. Instead, it is a combination of the verb "is" and the preposition "of". "Is" is pronounced /ɪz/ and "of" is pronounced /ʌv/, although in some dialects it may also be pronounced /əv/. When the two words are spoken together in a sentence, they may blend together slightly, but their individual pronunciations remain the same.
"Is of" is a phrasal verb consisting of the auxiliary verb "is" and the preposition "of". This construction is used to express possession, origin, association, or a relationship between two entities or concepts.
When used to denote possession, "is of" connects a subject with something that belongs to or is associated with it. For example, in the sentence "That book is of mine," the phrase indicates that the book belongs to or is owned by the speaker.
In terms of origin or source, "is of" demonstrates the source or origin of something. For instance, in the sentence "This wine is of Italian heritage," it suggests that the wine is produced or sourced in Italy.
Additionally, "is of" can indicate a quality or characteristic associated with a particular subject. For example, in the sentence "She is of great intelligence," it highlights that the subject possesses or exhibits high intelligence.
The phrase "is of" is also used to describe relationships or connections. In the sentence, "He is of British descent," it signifies that the person has ancestors or family originating from Britain.
Overall, "is of" is a versatile phrasal verb that denotes possession, origin, association, or relationship. Its meaning depends on the context in which it is used, allowing for a wide range of interpretations to express various aspects of ownership, provenance, characteristics, and associations.
The phrase "is of" is not a standalone word but rather a combination of the verb "is" and the preposition "of". Consequently, examining the etymology of each component provides insight into its origin.
1. Is - The verb "is" is derived from the Old English word "is", which itself derives from the Proto-Germanic root " *esmi". This root is further traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root " *h₁ésti", meaning "to be" or "to exist". Over time, the form and pronunciation of "is" have evolved, resulting in its current usage as a form of the verb "to be" in the present tense singular.
2. Of - The preposition "of" originates from the Old English word "of", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root " *ab", meaning "from" or "off".