1. -ing forms We can use the -ing form of the verb: as a noun:
I love swimming.
Swimming is very good for your health.
You can get fit by swimming regularly.

-ing nouns are nearly always uncount nouns

2. We can use the -ing form of the verb:
as an adjective:
The main problem today is rising prices.
That programme was really boring.
He saw a woman lying on the floor.

3. ... an object: ... or an adverbial: ... or a clause:
Because the -ing noun or adjective is formed from a verb it can have any of the patterns which follow a verb, for example:
... an object:
I like playing tennis.
I saw a dog chasing a cat.
... or an adverbial:
You can earn a lot of money by working hard.
There were several people waiting for the bus.
... or a clause:
I heard someone saying that.

4. The -ing noun can be used:
as the subject of a verb:
Learning English is not easy.
as the object of a verb:
We enjoy learning English.
as the object of a preposition
Some people are not interested in learning English.

5. The -ing adjective can come:
in front of a noun:
I read an interesting article in the newspaper today.
We saw a really exciting match on Sunday.
after a noun:
Who is that man standing over there?
The boy talking to Angela is her younger brother.
and especially after verbs like see, watch, hear, smell etc.
I heard someone playing the piano.
I can smell something burning.

6. The infinitive is used to express purpose:
I’m studying at university to improve my job opportunities.
He’s been going to the gym to lose weight.

7. Some verbs have the pattern N + V + to+infinitive:
They agreed to help.

We decided to go.

8. Some verbs have the pattern N + V + N + to+infinitive:
She told him to go home.

They advised us to wait.

9. gerund or infinitive Use the gerund (verb+ ing): after prepositions
after certain verbs (e.g. like, love, hate, etc.)
as the subject of a sentence
What are you thinking of doing next summer?
Ironing is one job I hate doing.
Use to + infinitives:
after adjectives
after certain verbs (e.g. need, want, decide, etc.)
to express purpose/reason
Do you find it difficult to fall asleep?
Do you want to go out tonight?
I’m studying English to get a better job.

10. Common verbs that take the gerund (ing form):
Like, love, hate, enjoy, mind, finish, stop
Common verbs that take the to + inifinitive:
would like, want, need, decide, hope, expect, plan, forget, seem, try, promise, offer, refuse, learn, manage