Usage of 'of'
How can I understand the following sentence??

The attempt for synchronizing sound and picture was of a help toward the advancement of sound film.

I can't understand the part, "was of a help"

I think this sentence means that The attempt for synchronizing sound and picture helped the advancement of sound film.

Why did the writer use "was of a help toward ~".

Thank you so much in advance!!

Question

Usage of 'of'
How can I understand the following sentence??

The attempt for synchronizing sound and picture was of a help toward the advancement of sound film.

I can't understand the part, "was of a help"

I think this sentence means that The attempt for synchronizing sound and picture helped the advancement of sound film.

Why did the writer use "was of a help toward ~".

Thank you so much in advance!!

Answer

Nobody would say that. Yes it means that it contributed to the advancement of....
They would say:
Was of help
Was a big help
Was of some help

Answer

Your understanding of this sentence is correct.

As for why, I'm not sure. Its not very commonly used in normal conversation.

Answer

I believe the sentence to be poorly constructed for several reasons.  The preposition "for" is awkward.  There may have been an initial attempt "to" synchronize the sound with the image.
I believe that the true breakthrouch came when images and sound were synchronized.
Keep sentences simple.  The phrase "helped the advancement" is not very informative.

Answers · 3

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