opportunity [of doing sth / for doing sth / to do sth]

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

oxfordadvancedlearnersdictio … pportunity
opportunity
a time when a particular situation makes it possible to do or achieve something

  • [opportunity (to do something)] You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions at the end.
  • This is the perfect opportunity to make a new start.
  • [opportunity (for something/for doing something)] There was no opportunity for further discussion.
  • There’ll be plenty of opportunity for relaxing once the work is done.
  • [opportunity (of doing something)] At least give him the opportunity of explaining what happened.

  1. You’ll have the opportunity [color=red]to ask any questions at the end.
    Can I say “of asking” or “for asking” instead of [color=red]to ask?

  2. This is the perfect opportunity [color=green]to make a new start.
    Can I say “of making” or “for making” in place of [color=green]to make?

  3. There’ll be plenty of opportunity [color=darkblue]for relaxing once the work is done.
    Can I say “of relaxing” or “to relax” instead of [color=darkblue]for relaxing?

  4. At least give him the opportunity [color=brown]of explaining what happened.
    Can I say “for explaining” or “to explain” in place of [color=brown]of explaining?

2

  1. ‘of asking’ is acceptable; ‘for asking’ is less so.

  2. ‘for making’ is fine; not ‘of making’.

  3. ‘to relax’ is great; not ‘of relaxing’.

  4. ‘to explain’ is a perfectly acceptable alternative; ‘for explaining’ is incorrect.

Confusing, isn’t it? Your posts always make me pause and reflect on my own language.

3

Thank you, B. Yes, very confusing. Are there any rules?