Exact meaning of "Too good a/of a X" clause and etymology


As a non-native speaker, couldn't find a way to find this clause on the web, and need either links or explanation.


I often see this:



This is too rigid a procedure.


He is too good an ordinary worker.



Is this equal to "of a" clause (too rigid of a procedure)?


What are other ways of using, besides "too X a/of a Y"?


When did these constructs appear? This seems to appear quite often, but in the 14 years I was learning English at School and University, it hasn't been mentioned ever.



Answer



In UK English I usually hear "too good a."


In US English you will find both "too good a" and "too good of a." There is still a preponderance of the former.


The expressions are equivalent.


As for the history of the phrase, look here.


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