To Opine vs Opining 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 opine (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to opine on the matter and share my perspective.

Opining (Gerund)

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

Example

Opining on social media has become a popular way to share thoughts.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To opine (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To opine is a fundamental right of every individual.

  To opine is a fundamental right of every individual.

  • "*To opine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fundamental right of every individual).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to opine on the issue.

  She wants me to opine on the issue.

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

  I need a platform to opine freely.

  I need a platform to opine freely.

  • "*To opine* freely" modifies the noun "platform."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a platform *to opine* freely).

Opining (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Opining about politics can be divisive.

  Opining about politics can be divisive.

  • "*Opining* about politics" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective (divisive).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy opining on various topics.

  I enjoy opining on various topics.

  • "*Opining* on various topics" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*opining* on various topics).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  He is known for his expertise in opining.

  He is known for his expertise in opining.

  • "His expertise in *opining*" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (He) + verb (is known) + preposition (for) + noun phrase (his expertise in *opining*).

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

• agree
• plan
• hope
• want
• decide

Example

They agreed to opine on the matter during the meeting.

We plan to opine at the conference next week.

I hope to opine and contribute to the discussion.

He wants to opine and express his opinion.

She decided to opine after careful consideration.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• mind
• imagine

Example

She avoids opining on controversial issues.

They are considering opining on the matter at the conference.

Experts recommend thoughtful opining for productive discussions.

I don't mind opining as long as it's respectful.

Can you imagine him opining on that topic?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to opine on current events. She likes opining on current events.

He began to opine after extensive research. He began opining after extensive research.

We will continue to opine until our voices are heard. We will continue opining until our voices are heard.