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To Betray vs Betraying Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To betray (Infinitive)

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

Example

I promised not to betray his trust.

Betraying (Gerund)

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

Example

Betraying someone's trust is a serious offense.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To betray (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To betray is an act of disloyalty.

    To betray is an act of disloyalty.

    • "*To betray*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an act of disloyalty).
  • 2Object

    He wants me to betray her secret.

    He wants me to betray her secret.

    • "Me *to betray* her secret" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (He) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to betray* her secret).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I have no reason to betray my friends.

    I have no reason to betray my friends.

    • "*To betray* my friends" modifies the noun "reason."
    • Noun (I) + verb (have) + noun phrase (no reason *to betray* my friends).

Betraying (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Betraying others is unethical.

    Betraying others is unethical.

    • "*Betraying* others" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (unethical).
  • 2Object

    She regrets betraying her best friend.

    She regrets betraying her best friend.

    • "*Betraying* her best friend" is the object of the verb "regrets."
    • Noun (She) + verb (regrets) + gerund (*betraying* her best friend).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    He was accused of betraying their trust.

    He was accused of betraying their trust.

    • "*Betraying* their trust" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (He) + verb (was accused of) + gerund (*betraying* their trust).

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

Example

She promised not to betray their friendship.

They refused to betray their principles.

He attempted to betray his accomplices.

We chose to betray their trust.

They determined to betray their alliance.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They consider betraying their teammates as a betrayal of the team.

I recommend betraying their secrets as unethical behavior.

She avoids betraying her loved ones' trust.

He denies betraying their confidence.

Can you imagine betraying your closest friends?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

I don't like to betray anyone's trust. I don't like betraying anyone's trust.

They started to betray each other's secrets. They started betraying each other's secrets.

He began to betray his colleagues for personal gain. He began betraying his colleagues for personal gain.

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