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Prepositions before and after nouns

Which prepositions go with “opportunity”?

Opportunity is commonly followed by for or to depending on the meaning. Other combinations are usually part of a larger phrase or are less natural.

Quick answer

Common combinations with “opportunity”

Use opportunity for + noun when describing a purpose or activity, and opportunity to + verb when talking about an action. Opportunity of appears in formal or fixed expressions. Opportunity with and opportunity on are uncommon as direct combinations.

We had an opportunity to speak privately.
The course gives students an opportunity for growth.
This is a rare opportunity for collaboration.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
opportunity for + noun

Describing a purpose, benefit, or activity

Use for before a noun or noun phrase that explains what the opportunity relates to.

The internship offers an opportunity for networking.
It was a good opportunity for discussion.
2
opportunity to + verb

Talking about an action someone can do

Use to before an infinitive verb to describe the action made possible.

She finally had the opportunity to travel abroad.
I appreciated the opportunity to ask questions.
3
opportunity of + noun

Formal or fixed expressions

Opportunity of is formal and less common in everyday English. It often appears in expressions such as opportunity of a lifetime.

It was the opportunity of a lifetime.
They took the opportunity of his absence to reorganise the office.
4
opportunity with + noun

Referring to the people or tools involved

With usually introduces a separate detail rather than a fixed combination with opportunity.

She had an opportunity with the new software during training.
We discussed an opportunity with a local partner.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
opportunity for
This job is an opportunity for advancement.
A chance related to a goal or activity.
opportunity to
He had an opportunity to explain.
A chance to perform an action.
opportunity of
It was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Formal or fixed expression.
opportunity with
She found an opportunity with a technology company.
With introduces the associated company or person, not the core pattern.
opportunity on
We met on the opportunity presented by the merger.
On is not a standard direct combination with opportunity.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “opportunity on” as a fixed pattern

On is generally not used directly after opportunity in standard English.

✕ an opportunity on success ✓ an opportunity for success

Using “for” before a verb

Use to before an infinitive verb.

✕ an opportunity for learn ✓ an opportunity to learn

Confusing “opportunity for” and “opportunity to”

For is followed by a noun; to is followed by a verb.

✕ an opportunity to career growth ✓ an opportunity for career growth

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The conference gave us an ___ meet industry leaders.
2. She saw it as an ___ professional development.
3. Which phrase is the most natural in standard English?

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Frequently asked questions

Is “opportunity to” or “opportunity for” more common?

Both are common. Use opportunity to + verb and opportunity for + noun.

Can I say “opportunity of”?

Yes, but it is more formal and often appears in fixed expressions such as opportunity of a lifetime.

Is “opportunity on” correct?

Not usually as a direct combination. English normally uses opportunity for or opportunity to.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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