To Opaquen vs Opaquening Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To opaquen (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to opaquen" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to opaquen the windows to block out the sunlight.

Opaquening (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "opaquening" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Opaquening the windows can provide privacy and shade.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To opaquen (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To opaquen the glass is a common practice in office buildings.

  To opaquen the glass is a common practice in office buildings.

  • "*To opaquen* the glass" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in office buildings).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to opaquen the windows.

  She wants me to opaquen the windows.

  • "Me *to opaquen* the windows" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to opaquen* the windows).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a material to opaquen the room.

  We need a material to opaquen the room.

  • "*To opaquen* the room" modifies the noun "material."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a material *to opaquen* the room).

Opaquening (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Opaquening the glass is a common practice in commercial buildings.

  Opaquening the glass is a common practice in commercial buildings.

  • "*Opaquening* the glass" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common practice in commercial buildings).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy opaquening the windows for a cozy atmosphere.

  I enjoy opaquening the windows for a cozy atmosphere.

  • "*Opaquening* the windows" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*opaquening* the windows).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for opaquening windows.

  She has a talent for opaquening windows.

  • "For *opaquening* windows" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *opaquening* windows).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

• decide
• attempt
• plan
• refuse
• hope

Example

They decided to opaquen the windows for privacy.

He attempted to opaquen the glass with a special film.

We are planning to opaquen the doors to reduce noise.

She refused to opaquen the windows because she liked the natural light.

They hope to opaquen the skylights to control the temperature.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• recommend
• avoid
• consider
• imagine
• mind

Example

They recommend opaquening the windows for better energy efficiency.

He avoids opaquening the glass to maintain a clear view.

I am considering opaquening the windows for added privacy.

Can you imagine opaquening the entire building?

Do you mind opaquening the windows for the event?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

I like to opaquen the windows for a more comfortable atmosphere. I like opaquening the windows for a more comfortable atmosphere.

We began to opaquen the glass to protect against UV rays. We began opaquening the glass to protect against UV rays.

They continue to opaquen the windows for privacy reasons. They continue opaquening the windows for privacy reasons.