be of ~, be ~ of ~

He is not much of an athlete.

 

It is of great importance.

 

It's very kind of you.

 

This is a book of importance.

 

This tool is of great help.

 

This textbook is of no use.

 

This pipe is of iron.

 

a man of his ability 彼ほどの有能な人物

 

考えてみれば、It's on the desk. He's with her. なども be + 前置詞だが、なんか簡単。

本当は of も実は簡単なのでは。on や with と比べると分かりにくいだけで。

 

(of の比喩表現)

天使のような少女(少女の天使、少女である天使) an angel of a girl

山のような波(波の山、波である山) a mountain of a wave