To Opinionate vs Opinionating 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 opinionate (Infinitive)

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

Example

I refuse to opinionate on such controversial topics.

Opinionating (Gerund)

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

Example

Opinionating can lead to heated debates.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To opinionate (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To opinionate is not always helpful in a discussion.

  To opinionate is not always helpful in a discussion.

  • "*To opinionate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adverb (not) + adjective (always helpful) + prepositional phrase (in a discussion).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to opinionate on the matter.

  She wants me to opinionate on the matter.

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

  He needs a platform to opinionate freely.

  He needs a platform to opinionate freely.

  • "*To opinionate* freely" modifies the noun "platform."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a platform *to opinionate* freely).

Opinionating (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Opinionating is an important part of expressing oneself.

  Opinionating is an important part of expressing oneself.

  • "*Opinionating*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important part of expressing oneself).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy opinionating on various topics.

  I enjoy opinionating on various topics.

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

  She has a passion for opinionating about social issues.

  She has a passion for opinionating about social issues.

  • "For *opinionating* about social issues" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *opinionating* about social issues).

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

• refuse
• attempt
• pretend
• determine
• learn

Example

They refuse to opinionate on political matters.

She attempted to opinionate on the complex issue.

He pretends to opinionate to gain popularity.

We determined to opinionate based on our personal experiences.

They learned to opinionate by listening to different perspectives.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• delay
• deny

Example

He avoids opinionating in order to maintain peace.

They recommend thoughtful opinionating for productive discussions.

I am considering opinionating at the upcoming meeting.

We delayed opinionating until all the facts were gathered.

They deny opinionating without proper research.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

She likes to opinionate on controversial topics. She likes opinionating on controversial topics.

We began to opinionate more openly. We began opinionating more openly.

He continues to opinionate despite opposition. He continues opinionating despite opposition.