An opportunity is a situation or occasion that makes it possible to do something.

The idea

Use an opportunity for one and opportunities for several. Say an opportunity to practise or an opportunity to ask questions to name an action.

Examples

  • This course offers an opportunity to practise.
  • She had an opportunity to ask questions.
  • We discussed two opportunities.
  • The meeting gave them an opportunity to share ideas.
  • Not everyone has the same opportunities.
  • He missed an opportunity to speak with the team.

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Watch out

The plural changes y to ies: opportunities. An opportunity makes an action possible, but does not guarantee an outcome.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the article before the initial vowel sound. This is ___ opportunity to practise. (a / an)

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    an

    An precedes the initial vowel sound in opportunity.

  2. Choose the plural after two. We discussed two ___. (opportunity / opportunities)

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    opportunities

    Opportunities is plural after two.

  3. Choose the infinitive naming the possible action. She had an opportunity ___ questions. (to ask / asks)

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    to ask

    To ask names the action made possible.

Use it today

Describe an opportunity you had to learn something and what you did.